Syme one step away from Open debut

Drumoig teenager Connor Syme is one of seven players who are just one step from the Open at St Andrews after coming through regional qualifying at Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh yesterday.

The 19-year-old Scotland internationalist hit all 18 greens in regulation during his four-under 67 which got him through in a tie for second place with the 55-year-old former PGA champion Andrew Oldcorn.

Twenty four years ago at Royal Birkdale Oldcorn’s par at the 18th as last man out in the second round of the 1991 Open saved more than 25 players from the cut, but last night his 67 at Bruntsfield from the final group knocked out 12 players from the chance to progress to next week’s Final Qualifying competition at Glasgow Gailes.

Kilmacolm’s Scotland amateur team member Matthew Clark won the regional with a fiveunder 66. Another three amateurs, Glencruitten’s Robert MacIntyre, Bruntsfield member Stuart McLaren, and Norwegian Vetle Maroy came through, along with Fife professional Scott Stewart-Cation.

Among those just missing out on progressing by a shot were Joshua Jamieson of the New Club, St Andrews and a former winner of the St Andrews Links Trophy on the Old Course, former Carnoustie pro Keir McNicoll.

There are just three places to play in the Open available from the Final Qualifying event next Tuesday at Gailes.

Connor Syme came through regional qualifying. Kenny Smith.