Ladybank Golf Club has hosted final qualifying on seven occasions since 1978 for the Open Championship played at St Andrews. It provides a classic heathland test and enjoys a reputation as one of the finest inland layouts in Scotland. Positioning from the tee is all-important here so that you can navigate doglegs without being blocked by trees.

In 1879, Old Tom Morris was charged with laying out a 6-hole course. The layout was expanded to 9 holes in 1910, and then 18 in 1962. Ladybank is a tough cookie where accuracy and positioning is all important. The smallish greens are always in great condition but you need to be on form to find the fast putting surfaces.

The fairways are smooth and even - it is very rare to get an uneven stance. Measuring over 6,800 yards, it's a seriously challenging course - keeping the ball down the middle will pay dividends and save you wasted shots and lost balls. The problem is that Ladybank teases you into hitting a long ball - accurate, you'll be rewarded handsomely, wayward, you're in deep trouble. It's a tricky call.

The round started in slight drizzle, which intensified for a few holes before giving way to bright sunshine. The front players just managed to squeeze round in time, but the back of the field was caught in a very heavy downpour over the last 3-4 holes.

The changeable conditions were reflected in the patchy scores, with no one playing to handicap on 36 stableford points. Cramb had an uncharacteristic dip in his play, while most players struggled to break the 30-point barrier, with Jaco and Jennings sitting right on the mark. Dr. Golf was quick to assert himself with a commendable score of 31, while the two big hitters Johnson and Jago (the latter winning the prize for the longest drive) smashing their way to the top with 33 points to tie for first place.

In fact they were pipped by one point by a total newcomer who was not an official entrant: Stephen Rooney, superbly coached by his father and fellow competitor John. His score of 34 points was a highly impressive debut on an unknown course.