Scotsman Alastair Forsyth is making the most of a rare start on The European Tour at the Maybank Malaysian Open, a tournament he won 11 years ago, after reaching five under par in the second round.
The 37 year old triumphed at Royal Selangor Golf Club in 2002, edging out Australian Stephen Leaney in a play-off having opened with rounds of 63 and 65. That was his maiden European Tour victory and he added another in the 2008 Madeira Islands Open.
The last few years have been more of a struggle – he lost his full playing card in 2010 – but he believes his swing is now better than ever and is confident he can regain the form of his halcyon days.
A second round 70 at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club leaves him five under overall, five shots off the lead Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
“I remember the win as if it was yesterday,” said Forsyth. “It’s a beautiful place and I’ve always enjoyed coming here. I’m just happy to be playing to be honest.
“I have limited starts just now, so it’s great to be able to come here as a former champion and get another tournament under my belt.
“I had a good few years after the win, which came on the back of a tough year. The six or seven years after that were good. It’s the past three years or so that have been pretty poor and I’ve totally lacked consistency. I don’t know what’s coming from one minute to the next.
“But it’s never far away and today was probably the best I’ve played for quite a while. I hit a lot of fairways and it makes the game a bit easier when you do that.”
Forsyth revealed his frustration at not being able to eradicate serious errors from his game, adding: “It’s not been poor shots that have been the problem; it’s been absolutely ridiculous shots.
“There have been many tournaments where I’ve had as many birdies as the leader but finished about 50th. But now I feel like I’m swinging the club better than I ever have and I’m starting to find a few feelings to hit shots rather than getting too technical and always trying to hit the perfect shot.
“I’ve still got the drive and ambition. It’s a game that hooks you and keeps you coming back for more.
“I’m happy with my position and my wedge game and the putter have been working nicely.”
