Forsyth A Lager Than Life Figure

Aug 10 2008 By Euan Mclean

REVITALISED Alastair Forsyth has put his excellent USPGA performance down to boozy bounce games with his pals that put the fun back into his golf.

The last Scot standing in the final Major of the season admits that four weeks ago he was jaded and had no idea how to fix his game after his form suddenly deserted him.

But the disappointment of missing out on The Open last month proved to be a blessing in disguise as it gave him a rare chance to take a three-week break from the tour.

The 32-year-old picked up his clubs and a few cans too and headed with some pals to his small holiday home in Millport.

The next few days of social golf and laughs gave Forsyth a fresh perspective and instead of focusing on prize money and ranking points he rediscovered a simple love of the game.

The result was a refreshed Forsyth putting in a solid display on this monstrous Oakland Hills layout, making the cut comfortably on five-over par after the first two rounds.

That put him in pretty exalted company in yesterday's third round, paired with Ian Poulter on the drawsheet and surrounded in the nearby groups by multiple major winners such as Padraig Harrington, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.

But the Paisley golfer reckons being surrounded by his mates a fortnight before held the key to the company he's keeping now.

He said: "Obviously missing The Open was disappointing but it gave me a chance to take a break that I badly needed.

"I was at a bit of a loss last month as I was struggling with my game and couldn't put my finger on why.

"I wasn't enjoying my golf and that can bring you down so it was good to get away. I've got a flat in Millport and went there for a few games of golf with the boys.

"It's great to get away, play an easy game and have a couple of beers. It's definitely important to re-establish the fun element of the game sometimes.

"It's easy to get bogged down by technique but in a relaxed atmosphere with your mates you're not thinking too much about your swing and suddenly you're playing well.

"Sometimes you learn more about yourself and your swing by stepping back a bit and relaxing a bit more."