Yet again no waterproofs required as the weather was dry and sunny with a gentle wind. My playing partners were John Semple from Haggs Castle and Eddie Greenan from Ranfurly Castle playing off 7 and 16 respectively. Both players returned net scores of 71 to make the buffer zone, while I managed to do slightly better, despite a three putt at the 12th hole. I had one of those days when I drove the ball good and got up and down on six occasions, twice from bunkers. After eight pars and one birdie on the front nine I was really enjoying myself, not only because I was playing well, but thanks to John, and in particular Eddie, who was like a one man fan club. The inward half started fine with four pars in the first five holes while my three putt at the 12th hole saw me go to level par. Then five further fours on my card was followed by my worst drive of the day at the 18th where my draw failed to materialize and I watched it go straight right into the heather lining the fairway. I managed to move it forward and hit a good pitch to within three feet, but over confident due to my earlier putting, I did not take the time to notice a sharp break to the left and missed. Eddie sounded more disappointed than me. However a gross 71 saw me eventually win the Scratch Prize and pick up a voucher for £75. I also reduced my handicap by .3 and am now playing off 5.0 exactly. Already looking forward to next year, maybe I’ll phone Eddie to see what time he will be playing. The course was in excellent condition (how can I fault it after my score) with the greens fast, but true, and I thought the wet sand in the bunkers was also excellent.