Birdie blitz as Syme and Hill shine at Kenya Open
Scottish pair Connor Syme and Calum Hill carded impressive six-under-par 65s yesterday to finish the opening round of the Magical Kenya Open a shot behind leader Benjamin Hebert.
Syme birdied the par4 first hole and it was a sign of things to come as he added another eight around Karen Country Club in Nairobi. His compatriot Hill also carded nine birdies.
Of the other Scots in the field, Richie Ramsay shot 67, Ewen Ferguson scored level-par 71, David Law and David Drysdale hit 72s, while Liam Johnston and Grant Forrest carded 73s.
“Nine birdies – it’s been a while since I’ve had that in a round,” said Syme. “I played quite well last week in Qatar, although my scores probably didn’t show that, especially over the weekend.
“I liked this course a couple of years ago. Although my strength is my driving you actually don’t hit many drivers around here. If you get it in play you can make a few birdies.
"I played lovely on the front nine, a few silly mistakes unfortunately with a couple of bogeys, but nice to bounce back with a couple towards the end which made up for it."
France's Hebert, looking for a first European Tour win in his 218th event, took sole possession of the lead when he birdied the 18th to sign for a 64.
There were five others alongside Syme and Hill in a tie for second: Hebert's compatriot Raphael Jacquelin, England’s Sam Horsfield, Poland's Adrian Meronk, German Bernd Ritthammer and Finland's Kalle Samooja.