Watch as Scottish golfer Grant Forrest breaks the course record at the Nexo Championship, taking the halfway lead with an impressive 66 on the Old Course at Trump International Golf Links. Despite a challenging 2025 DP World Tour season, Forrest shines on home soil, leading the tournament by one shot over Jordan Smith. See highlights and reactions from this thrilling round of golf.
Imagine the thrill of the crowd as Grand Forest, a local hero from North Bareric, Scotland, sets a new course record and takes the lead halfway through the Nexo Championship. This isn’t just any tournament. It’s a homecoming for Forest, who has been struggling this season, but found his stride on familiar turf. But here’s where it gets controversial. Forest’s performance has sparked debate among fans and experts alike. Some argue that his recent struggles have made this victory even sweeter, while others question whether home advantage played too significant a role. What do you think? Let’s dive into the details and see how this story unfolds. Grant Forest, a local favorite, made a spectacular start to his second round at the Nexo Championship held at the prestigious Trump International Golf Links. His round of 66 on the old course not only delighted the home crowd, but also shattered Richard Stern’s previous record by a stroke. Forest’s performance was nothing short of stellar with four birdies in his first five holes, showcasing his skill and determination. Forest admitted that the 2025 DP World Tour campaign had been challenging for him. However, the comfort of playing on home soil after a three-week break seemed to revitalize his game. He climbed to seven underpar, securing a one-shot lead over Englishman Jordan Smith. Forest’s opening round of 71 set the stage for his record-breaking performance, which included back-to- back birdies to start the day. The Scots round was a roller coaster of emotions. He picked up another two birdies from the fourth hole, putting him at five underpar alongside Smith and overnight leader Richard Stern. However, a bogey at the seventh hole briefly set him back, but Forest’s resilience shone through as he bounced back at the eighth hole, returning to five under par. Smith momentarily stretched the lead to six under after a birdie at the 10th hole. the same hole Forest birdied to climb to the summit alongside the Englishmen. The Scott was gifted the lead when Smith bogeied the 15th, while Forest saved par at the 14th after a lucky break when his weward T-shot bounced from the thick rough and back into play. Forest’s incredible second round of 66 not only set a new course record, but also earned him a $10,000 prize if no one shoots lower this week. This achievement has sparked excitement and debate among fans and experts alike. Some argue that Forest’s performance is a testament to his skill and determination, while others question whether home advantage played too significant a role. What do you think? Did Forest’s homecoming give him an unfair advantage or is this a true testament to his talent? Forest became the first person at seven under when he stuck his T-shot at the par 316th to two feet before parring his way home. Smith bounced back to record successive 69s with a closing birdie to sit in solo second. I’m over the moon. So happy, he said. I’ve just played really nicely, hold some really nice putts and controlled the ball pretty well into most of the holes, too. It’s mentally really, really, really tough. It’s just draining. You’ve got to be on it for the whole round and you can’t really relax. Stern birdied the last in his one over 73 to climb into third at four under, while Dutchman Don Heising was flawless in his 69 at three under. English pair Todd Clemens and Alex Fitzpatrick sit one shot further back alongside South African Justin Harding, Australia’s David Mkalooi and Finn Oliver Lindell. The tournament is far from over and the excitement is building as we head into the final rounds. Will Forest hold on to his lead or will another player rise to the challenge? Only time will tell. And this is the part most people miss. The true test of a champion is not just in their victories, but in how they handle the pressure and adversity that comes with it. Forest’s performance so far has been impressive, but the real test will be in the final rounds. Will he maintain his composure and secure the win? Or will the pressure get to him? Let’s see how this thrilling story unfolds.
