DUBAI INVITATIONAL

January 15, 2026

Connor Syme

Dubai Creek Resort

Quick Quotes

Q. Connor, really nice way to start off the calendar year, 4-under 67. Just talk us through from your perspective.

CONNOR SYME: Yeah, very, very pleased with that. I played very, very solid today. Made a nice putt for par there on the last putt. Didn't really make many putts, to be honest with you. I really had my ball under control, so hopefully I can keep that up over the next few days.

Q. You haven't played obviously since Nedbank, a long break. Is it nice to get those competitive juices flowing again?

CONNOR SYME: Yeah, I think just want to make of a lot of things, because obviously looking forward to some time off, and then you're working on stuff, and then obviously anxious to get back going. But the excitement just to be back playing.

And then obviously there's probably no better place to be at the moment than out here in Dubai. So very happy, and looking forward to a good stretch of tournaments.

Q. Seems like a very relaxed atmosphere this week. Is that something you enjoy as well?

CONNOR SYME: Yeah, it's obviously always a very similar, like, format to the Dunhill back in Scotland, but just about 25 degrees warmer. So it definitely makes it easier in the warm rather than the cold.

But it was fun. Like I played with Brett, Brett was Johannes' partner today. It's cool just getting to experience different walks of life, and they've got lots of good stories. It's a fun tournament.

Q. After that win last season, what's it about this year? What's the new aim for this year?

CONNOR SYME: Yeah, I think the last -- the other day, actually, I set my goals for the year, and I'm quite private with how I like to go about it. But, yeah, like I've got a lot of -- lots of ambitions for not just this year but for my full career really.

Yeah, I'm excited to put into play the kind of stuff I've been working on over the offseason. And yeah, obviously getting that win makes a big difference. Knowing you can do it is huge. Hopefully I can get myself back in those positions a bit more often, it'd be nice.