Connor Syme: Scottish golfer says smaller tournaments are no surprise

Syme achieved two victories at virtual events played during the shutdown

Scottish golfer Connor Syme says tournaments were inevitably going to be scaled down during the coronavirus pandemic and are just thankful they are playing again.

The tour is suspended on March 8, but will resume next month.

Former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie said it is "disturbing" to see European Tour events return with prize money of less than £ 1 million.

But fellow countryman Syme said that the players are simply "grateful that they are playing again".

He added, "We all know the financial implications for everyone. My dad has a business, myself, everyone is struggling, so you have to think the sponsors will be in the same position.

"Let's just say it's £ 1 million. That is still a lot of money, especially at this time. It's great to get that money together so quickly. "

When the European Tour resumes it will be spectator-free, with six events planned in the UK in six weeks.

24-year-old Syme regained his card at the end of last season and had two top-10 finishes in the seven events he had played prior to the lockdown.

He has won two virtual leagues hosted by the European Tour during the break, and is now back on the track.

"Unfortunately, my virtual waveform did not go all the way to the full track," said the Scot.

"It's definitely different seeing the ball fly again. The virtual wave was great to keep us going, right now you're trying to stay competitive. "