Rookie pro Forrest closes in on European Tour card

The 23-year-old comfortably made it through to the final stage of the circuit’s Qualifying School after another impressive performance.

Forrest, who impressively made the cut in the Dunhill Links on his debut in the paid ranks last month, finished fifth in a second-stage event at Las Colinas in Alicante.

After earlier efforts of 67, 68 and 74, the Craigielaw man closed with a 67 for an eight-under-par 276 total to secure one of 18 spots up for grabs in the last stage.

“I’m over the moon at the moment because, regardless of what happens at final stage, I’ll have a category for the Challenge Tour next year,” said 
Forrest. “With invitations, we can pretty much make that a full season.”

Forrest joined four of his compatriots – David Law, Ross Kellett, Bradley Neil and Peter Whiteford – in passing the second-stage test. They now move on to the 108-hole final starting in Girona on Saturday.

“Obviously the goal next week is to get a European Tour card, but it’s nice knowing that my worst-case scenario for next year is going to be really good,” he added.

“This week has been really nerve-wracking. There are a lot of good players here and when there are only 18 spots available and more than 80 players you can’t afford to have a bad round. It’s a big relief to get through.”