ABU DHABI HSBC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

January 21, 2023

Connor Syme

Yas Links

Quick Quotes

Q. Terrific round of golf, ten-shot difference from yesterday. How do you reflect on that?

CONNOR SYME: Obviously easier conditions than yesterday. I didn't feel like I played that badly yesterday. I just couldn't get it close to the hole.

Yeah, I started with a bogey today which was disappointing. But just kind of said to my caddie, Jon Rahm started with a bogey and shot 10-under; anything can happen. And I tried that mindset to make as many birdies as I can to get back in the tournament, and I was able to do that.

Q. How nice to come back like that after a bad start?

CONNOR SYME: Yeah, three-putt at the second, so it was a really disappointing start.

Obviously anything can happen, and that was the case today. Just kind of kept my processes good and keep trying to hit my numbers. Once I start getting a feel for the putts going in, just got a good feel for the speed and managed to hole quite a few putts to be fair.

Q. How much are you enjoying the challenge of this golf course? It's quite tricky in places.

CONNOR SYME: It's a great golf course. There's a lot of -- obviously linksy to a certain extent but definitely has its challenges with water and big bunker and the greens are obviously very slopey. You have to really plot your way around and think about where your ball is going into the greens. Me and my caddie, Ryan, have done a good job of that so far.

Q. Obviously great position now heading into the final round. Lots of points on offer as well. What will be the key tomorrow?

CONNOR SYME: Well, I'm imagining the scores are going to be pretty good today, so I will be quite a few back, no doubt, but I'm excited. First event of the season and obviously it's great to see the stuff I've been doing in the winter has been good and progressing. Yeah, obviously just try and make as many birdies tomorrow and see what happens.