Happily settled into our accommodation, which despite an indoor swimming pool and an interesting outdoor water feature just outside the bedrooms was best described as "basic", we retired to the local hostelry, the Brodick Bar, where we were treated to excellent food and a warm welcome from the genial landlord, Ian. That evening saw tidy sums of money change hands in pre-tournament betting.

The newcomer and unknown quantity, Angus "Wonder Boy" Hardie was strongly fancied, and of course the sartorially supreme Jesper Sparkie, although the favourite with the book runners was once again the redoubtable Chipper Wilson. In fact the only person wise enough to put money on the ex-champ and to win was the landlord - who proved on the following night what a good spotter of form he was by choosing the next round's winner, Sparkie, on the Sunday morning round. The food was delightful and the atmosphere brilliant. Watch out Ian - we'll be back!