EAST Lothian’s leading golfer has reflected on a great start to the season as he looks forward to his homecoming at the Genesis Scottish Open in July.

The Scottish Open returns to The Renaissance Club, near Dirleton, on July 13, bringing together golf’s elite as they prepare for the Open Championship at Hoylake.

Last year’s Scottish Open was the first time it was co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour, with 14 of the world’s top 15 all playing at the event.

Grant Forrest, who lives near Haddington, has already finished in the top-10 four times this season and currently sits 31st in the Race to Dubai rankings.

The 29-year-old – who claimed his maiden European Tour win at the £1.7 million Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews in 2021 – spoke to Courier Sport about his season so far.

 

 

He said: “It’s been a solid start: I’ve made every cut this calendar side of the new year and I’ve had four top tens.

“I’ve played some pretty good golf but just not had the quality on a Sunday to finish the job off but it’s not far away.”

Forrest, who finished tied for 100th at his national open 12 months ago, spoke of his troubles last year on the golf course and the positive changes he has made.

“It’s nice to sort of come out and start the new season well, especially on the back of a not-so-good season,” he added.

“Golf is so fickle: I’ve not really changed that much, I’ve not tried to reinvent the wheel. It’s just small things at our level that can make a big difference.

“I also changed caddy at the end of last year; it was time for a change. I’ve got Dave Kenny who’s got a lot of experience and has been good for me.

Forrest also reflected on the pressures of professional golf.

East Lothian Courier: East Lothian's Grant Forrest..East Lothian's Grant Forrest..

The Renaissance Club member said: “Coming off a win in 2021 you always expect to do better every year and it got the better of me a little bit.

“Golf is frustrating in the sense that you can put in all the work and not get the results.

“There is so much out of your control when you get onto a golf course that you almost have to have a longer-term view that everything is going to average out.

“I’m trying not to be as hard on myself as I used to be.”

Having his fiancee Christy at more events this year had also had a positive impact as Forrest could often be away from home for more than 30 weeks of the year.

He added: “This is my fifth season now – when I look back at 2019 which was my first year on the main tour I have definitely come a long way since then.”

Forrest was quick to thank Jerry Sarvadi and the team at The Renaissance Club for their dedication to him and support they have shown to the sport in Scotland.

He said: “They look after us as pros so well. We’ve always been welcome to practice here and we get treated like a normal member and we are so lucky to have that.

“There aren’t many places in Scotland of this quality that welcome guys in like they do here.

“Having the Scottish Open here for the coming years is just a great opportunity to build on its success.”

Playing so close to home is also a massive appeal for Forrest, who will be cheered on by all his family, as well as the locals “spurring him on” to do well.

He said: “It’s great: most of my family comes down to watch and the in-laws too.

“It’s great to have a local group supporting you and spurring you on. You’ve got try and use that the best you can.”