Grant Forrest a Carnoustie veteran compared to Jordan Spieth

Grant Forrest drives at the 1st during a practice round. Picture: Kenny Smith/SNS

The Lothians man knows the course as well as anyone in the 156-strong field after reaching the final of the Amateur Championship at the Angus venue in 2015. “This is one of my favourite courses, so it’s good to be back,” said Forrest as he prepared to tee up in golf’s major for a second time after playing as an amateur at Muirfield five years ago.

“In the Amateur here three years ago, I must have played it 10 or 11 times that week. It was fairly firm then but nothing like this. You still have to hit good golf shots. The greens are receptive enough and you can keep the ball on the fairways, so it’s a fair enough test.”

Forrest’s brave title bid in the amateur game’s blue-riband event – he lost to Frenchman Romain Langasque – helped him secure a place on a winning Walker Cup team at Royal Lytham later that year.

“I played really nicely the week of the Amateur, so it’s good to have those memories to draw on,” he added. “The more you play somewhere the better. Carnoustie is all in front of you but it definitely helps to have played the course a few times.”

The 25-year-old, who secured his spot by finishing second in a final qualifier at The Renaissance Club, is heading into the event with a spring in his step. Helped by two second-placed finished (he was in play-offs on both occasions) he is ninth in the Challenge Tour’s Road to Ras Al Khaimah rankings, so is on course for a step up to the European Tour next year.

“This is one of the four majors and playing in an Open is what you dream of growing up,” he said of this week’s assignment. “Having played one before as an amateur has prepared me a bit – knowing what to expect and what shots to hit. It’s great to be here. It felt a bit different signing in as a pro rather than as an amateur. I’ve got a couple of years of Tour golf behind me. It’s not new to me this time.”

Forrest, who received a pre-event boost by clinching a deal to become an ambassador for Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, is among the later starters in the opening round. He’s out with 1996 winner Tom Lehman and rising South African star Dylan Frittelli.

“I’ll just be trying to hit good golf shots and take the rest of the stuff out,” said Forrest about his expectations for the week. “I already know what the first tee nerves are like from playing at Muirfield. That’s different to anything I’ve ever experienced. “

Cheering the loudest when he steps on to there on this occasion at just before 2.30pm on Thursday will be his mum Audrey and little sister Ailsa.

“There are quite a few people from Craigielaw coming up, as well as family and friends. It will be good to have home support,” he said.

“I don’t feel more pressure being one of only five Scots. For me, it’s just a great opportunity to prove myself more than anything.”

An added incentive for Forrest over the next four days – not that any is needed, of course – is that he can use this event to pick up  Challenge Tour ranking points.

“It’s only 10 per cent of the points but if you have a good week it counts for something,” he said. “I’m trying not to think of that too much, though.”