Forrester eyes repeat success
28/04/2014
Former Tartan Tour player Garry Forrester believes that a return to a happy hunting ground can help him celebrate his 40th birthday in style.
Dunfermline-born PGA Professional Forrester will hit the landmark just days before he travels to Blairgowrie for a regional qualifying date in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship on May 1.
It is a course that has so far served him well in his playing career, having qualified on the previous two occasions that he has competed over the famous Perthshire course.
One of the dates in question was at this stage of last year’s tournament, a fifth place finish guaranteeing him a spot at the Slaley Hall final in which Forest Pines PGA Professional Daniel Greenwood went on to claim a memorable victory.
Should Forrester pull off a repeat performance in this year’s qualifier, he will be rewarded with a return to Blairgowrie for a second consecutive shot at the grand final on August 5-8.
“The prospect of playing in the final at a course I know so well definitely adds a little bit of motivation in the run up to the tournament,” Forrester admitted.
“I love the course, I seem to do quite well there and it’s close to home too so I can sleep in my own bed at night, which will be nice as I have a young family.
“Not that you need any extra reasons to get excited for this event. It’s a flagship tournament and one of the highlights of the year for club pros like myself – everyone will be looking forward to it!”
When he is not playing on the course, Forrester will more than likely be found on the practice tees, teaching others how to improve their own games.
Forrester is the head instructor and director at St Andrews Golf School, where he has been located since he returned to the UK following spells in Hong Kong and the Philippines.
“Teaching is my passion,” Forrester stated. “I get as much satisfaction from coaching an individual as I do from playing, whether they are at an elite level or just starting out.
“I did do a spell abroad and that helped to give me a more rounded approach to coaching, it helps you learn new and different ways of doing things, and when you get back it helps you to appreciate your own culture that little bit more.”
Yet despite his commitment to teaching Forrester is still ensuring he takes plenty of time out to prepare for the tournament.
“There will be a lot of very good golfers playing in this event, so I need to make sure I work hard and practice hard so that my game is as good as it can be,” he explained.
“My big goal is to win a tournament in my 40th year, and after being a pro for a number of years this would be a great event to do it in.”
Matthew Eagle, UK and Eire sales director at Glenmuir, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship, which is very well respected as the flagship event for PGA Professionals in Great Britain and Ireland.
“Once again the schedule promises to take in a number of outstanding courses, with Blairgowrie offering a fine venue for this year’s final in August, which is sure to be as intriguing as ever.”
“We look forward to another exciting tournament, and wish all the competitors the best of luck ahead of the event.”
Other golfers competing in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Scottish qualifier include: Jonathan Cliff (Murrayfield), Andrew Fullen (Largs), Norman Huguet (Musselburgh), former winner Gordon Law (Uphall), Anthony Mackrell (Playsport Golf) and Greig McSporran (Kinross).
