Syme glad to end run of missed cuts as he eyes season- finale
Connor Syme is back on track in his bid to secure a first appearance in the DP World Tour Championship after ending a run of three consecutive missed cuts.
The 25- year- old Fifer comfortably made it through to the weekend in the South African Open as he followed an opening 74 with a 70 at Gary Player Country Club in Sun City for a two- under total.
Syme had been hoping for better after getting to fourunder for his round with five holes to play and finding the fairway at the par- 5 fifth - his 14th hole.
But, after having to settle for a par on that, he then dropped shots at the next two holes.
It was mission accomplished, though, as he comfortably made the cut after disappointing early exits in two events in Cyprus then last week’s Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.
“I feel I have been playing okay recently but missed a few cuts in a row, which was disappointing after a really good
summer,” said Syme. “But really happy, even though a really good round got away from me.
“I feel as though I managed my game well today, missing in the right spots, and also holed some putts.
“It gives me a chance as I am there or thereabouts, though I will need a couple of low ones over the weekend.”
Syme sits 68th in the Race to Dubai but, as things stand, is likely to get into next week’s season- ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates as the cut off for that 60- man field is likely to be around the 70 mark.
“Next week is definitely in the back of my mind,” admitted Syme. “This is the worst Race to Dubai position I’ve been all year. It’s not been my best stuff towards the end. I’ve changed caddies and it’s not been easy the last few weeks.
"It would be a great achievement if I could make it to next week.”
David Law sits alongside Syme in joint- 16th after carding a second 71, with Calum Hill one behind his two compatriots after a brilliant 66.
Scott Jamieson comfortably made the cut on level- par but lost ground after a secondround 74.
Welshman Jamie Donaldson shares the lead on 10- under with i n- f orm home player Christiaan Bezuidenhout.