Connor’s hoping for some timely Masters inspiration
Connor Syme hopes that four days glued in front of the TV watching The Masters will provide him with the inspiration for a big finish to 2020.
The plan is to put into practice things he saw at Augusta, with Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods setting the example.
Johnson converted his 54-hole lead into his second Major triumph as the World No. 1 romped to a five-shot victory at Augusta, setting a Masters record for the lowest 72- hole score at 20-under par.
Ti g e r Wo o d s m a y h a ve recorded a 10 – his highestever score at a single hole as a professional – on the famous par-three 12th on Sunday, but he recovered to still fire five birdies in his last six holes.
Syme is still in the early days of his European Tour career, so he appreciates seeing what the best in the game do.
“It was great watching it because you pick up small things on TV that you don’t get at a tournament,” he told The Sunday Post.
“Seeing Dustin finish strongly was invaluable. When I got myself in contention in the summer, I didn’t finish quite as well.
“His demeanour on the final day was very good. Plus there were small things, such as standing in a different place on the tee in order to hit a fade.
“After Tiger’s 10, you wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d had a couple more bogeys from there.
“But that response shows why he has been so good. That takes real mental character.
“It’s a great lesson about never giving up. Don’t take a bad hole with you. Leave it behind and focus on the next shot.
“That’s the mark of the best players. They forget about their mistakes quicker than anyone else.”
Syme admits that post-lockdown golf has been full of ups and downs. There have been four top-10s and a first US Open appearance at Winged Foot in September.
However, having had the lead and a share of the lead after 54 holes in the Celtic Classic and the Wales Open – both at Celtic Manor – the Drumoig golfer is frustrated he couldn’t claim his maiden win.
The 25-year-old is desperate to make that breakthrough, but he is reflective over events in Wales.
“At the Celtic Classic, it was my first time with a 54-hole lead and, with five or six holes to go, I had a very good chance,” he recalled.
“I made a mistake on 15 but that is something that can happen, and the winner Sam
Horsfield played very well. The Wales Open is one that got away. I made a few errors and got frustrated on the 18th when I couldn’t win the tournament and finished with a double.
“It all comes down to learning. Sometimes you need to have these setbacks to move forward.
“Each week, you’re competing against more than 130 players and there’s only one winner. You just want to give yourself a chance, so I know it’s not easy.”
Syme is currently 62nd on the Race to Dubai and has work to do in South Africa in the next two events, beginning at the Alfred Dunhill Championship this Thursday, to squeeze into the top 60 for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
“I absolutely love Leopard Creek. It’s one of my favourite places,” the Scot admitted.
“I’ve been going since I was 18 when I went with the Scotland squad, and I’ve done the safari a couple of times.
“It’s a really special course, with the animals all around. I always think of the bottom of the 13th green where the hippos are. It’s amazing – but it absolutely stinks!
“This has been a strange year. But I’ve played a lot more golf than I expected to, and the European Tour have done a really good job.
“The little setbacks I’ve had will make me better and, hopefully, I’ll keep my good golf rolling into next year.”