Alastair Forsyth has risen into the top 100 in the World Rankings after finishing tied 2nd in the Estoril Open de Portugal this week. Forsyth missed out on his 2nd title in 3 tournaments in a playoff with David Howell and eventual winner Gregory Bourdy.
The Scot won the Madeira Islands Open just 2 weeks ago, defeating Hennie Otto in a playoff, to climb 70 places in the World Rankings from 179th to 109th. The following week he finished in a tie for 25th place in the MAPFRE Open de Andalucia in Spain to move up another 2 places to 107th. His tied 2nd finish at the Estoril Open de Portugal has ascended the 33 year old to 91st in the World Rankings.
This is a stark contrast to the start of Forsyth’s 2008 season after missing the cut at his first 5 tournaments. After amassing a grand total of €0 in prize money for his first 5 tournaments of the season, Forsyth has turned it all around, now sitting 28th in the European Tour Order of Merit, with his prize fund sitting at €235,025 for just 3 tournaments.
Forsyth now seems to be hitting the best form of his career and he will be hoping to gain his best finish in the Order of Merit at the end of the year. His best year on the European Tour was in 2003 where he finished 19th, thanks to €850,180 in prize-money.
The 2002 Malaysian Open winner is now only the 2nd Scot in the top 100 of the World Rankings alongside Colin Montgomerie, who is 73rd in the World Rankings. Golf in Scotland looks to be heading to an era where Monty will not be the top Scot, and with only 18 places separating the pair it is looking increasingly likely.
Forsyth now takes a well earned break as the Masters in Augusta commences, although he will be looking to qualify for next year’s tournament as one of the top 50 ranked players in the world.
Lion Rampant Sports 