COUNTY golf ace Grant Forrest was delighted to make the cut at his first professional event.

The Craigielaw star turned professional two weeks ago, and made his debut among the professional ranks at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships, played over the Old Course at St Andrews, the Championship Course at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns Golf Links.

He finished six-under-par overall, and was one of six golfers tied for 41st place, alongside Rikard Karlberg, Alejandro Canizares, Peter Hanson, Borja Virto and Gregory Bourdy.

Forrest told Courier Sport he was delighted to have made the cut.

He said: "It was a great week.

"I was just happy to make the cut – that was my goal going in and the first couple of days I felt like I was playing really well.

"The last day, there was maybe a bit of nerves and the putts just weren't quite landing for me.

"It was nice to finish with a birdie on the 18th to finish one-under [for the round]."

The 23-year-old is hoping to travel to Dubai for a second professional event later this month, before stages two and three of the European Tour School, as he attempts to win a Tour card for next season.

He added: "There's a Challenge Tour event in Dubai at the end of the month, and I'm hoping I'll get an invite to that, which would be good.

"Then stage two of the school is in the first week of November, and the second stage is the following week."

Forrest, who finished one shot behind Ryder Cup star Stephen Gallagher in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships, was pleased with the progress made in his game.

He said: "Last year I battled with my game and it was a bit of a struggle but I feel like I've improved every aspect of my game this year."

He was also full of praise for coach Jonathan Porteous, who is based at Craigielaw.

"I've worked with him since I was 12 years old.

"It helps to have someone who knows you because it's the same bad habits that will creep back in, so keeping the same coach has been really good for me – it's worked alright so far."

As a result of his placing at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships, Forrest earned £21,000 from his maiden professional event.

Although he is keen to earn a place on the European Tour, and has his sights set on a place in the Majors, his short-term ambition is also clear.

"I'll hopefully just keep improving,"