Hilversum (The Netherlands), Oct 10: Britain's Alastair Forsyth held the early lead in the Dutch Open first round with a faultess six-under-par 64 to improve his chances of a top-15 finish in Europe's order of merit. The 27-year-old Scot's six birdies took him a stroke better than two fellow Britons, David Carter and David Lynn, to give him a chance of bettering his two second places this year. Forsyth is bidding to elevate himself from 19th on the European money-list to one of the top 15 players assured of two major spots next year, the British and U.S. Opens. "This year has already been a big step forward for me by playing in two majors for the first time, as well as last week's Amex (World Golf Championship American Express Championship)," said 2002 Malaysian Open winner Forsyth, who arrived hotfoot from Atlanta to play in this tournament.
"Now I'm looking for top 15 at the end of the season so I can have a similar experience," he added. "And I still have three chances of winning again."


Forsyth lost his card by just one place in 2001. However, his management company protested so strongly that Sergio Garcia should not have stayed on the order of merit because he had not played the mandatory 11 European tournaments, that the Scot was handed several invitations for 2002.

Forsyth took full advantage by winning the Malaysian Open to kickstart his career. Some of Forsyth's rivals this week are fighting to keep cards.


Bureau Report