Gentlemen -
I have just gotten in from an afternoon out on the course. Let me provide the following observations/comments:
1) Bellhaven's Best is officially the official beer of the Scottish Golf Union!
2) I thought the pin positions were rather accomodating. On most holes the pins were closer to the center of the green than to the edges. The only exception was #14, Foxy, where the pin was as far left as I have ever seen it. I am guessing the pin positions might be tougher over the weekend.
3) The weather was clear & sunny. However, for the first time in the almost 3 weeks I have been here, the wind was out of the north/east, rather than the south/west. It was a strong wind and a cold wind. The flags by the first tee were not totally at 90 degrees, by they were whipping out.
4) Because of this, the front 9 was playing into the wind and playing VERY tough. #2 was a 2- or 3-iron and I am guessing the stroke average on that hole was closer to 4 than 3. Par-4 #7 was virtually impossible to reach in 2. I am certain the par-5 9th & 12th holes (playing downwind) had lower scoring averages today than #7. (Rich G. - I doubt anyone was thinking of trying to reach the 12th fairway off the 4th tee today. DT)
5) It looks like there will be 15 or so scores under par-70. Most of those were shot early in the day, when the wind was not as strong.
6) Lloyd Saltman shot 73. Jimmy Gunn, current RDGC club champion and current Carnegie Shield champ, shot 73.
7) Andrew Biggadike had a tough outward nine. He was undone by a 6 on #2. However, he played the last 11 holes in one-under par for a 76. His highlight shot of the day was a 6-iron into #6 that hit the flagstick on one bounce.
The "phenom" to keep your eyes on in the coming years is a 14-year old named Oscar Sharpe. I believe he is the youngest player in the field. After watching him for 30 seconds, I had flashes of Seve & Sergio. He has that certain flair.
All for now.
DT