'Validation and relief' for Forrest after huge Spanish Open win

Forrest has not had much sleep over "a surreal 24 hours" as he flew from Madrid to New Dehli for the DP World India Championship.

Having made his professional bow over a decade ago, he said the victory brought "a lot of validation, relief as well."

On the prospect of a Masters debut in April, he explained: "I was there as a spectator in 2019 and it's just an incredibly special place.

"To have the opportunity to play hasn't sunk in yet."

Forrest has had experience of The Open in 2013 and 2018, at Muirfield and Carnoustie respectively.

"Playing a third at St Andrews is going to be incredible," he added.

Forrest graduated from the European Challenge Tour to the DP World Tour at the end of the 2018 season along with compatriots Robert MacIntyre and David Law.

Connor Syme and Scott Jamieson have won titles in the past two years, along with Ryder Cup star MacIntyre.

"It gives you positive energy when one guy succeeds," Forrest said on the current strength of Scottish golf.

"You know they are not much different in terms of ability, it's just reminding yourself that a win can be round the corner at any point."