SATURDAY

After a fortifying breakfast in our hotel in Dunstanburgh, we headed down to the golf club, a wonderful 18-hole links hugging the beautiful bay, framed by the eponymous ruined castle.

A stunning sight that could turn the head of even the most focused golfer. And focus is what was required for this tricky course. The field included all the usual suspects, and because of the eclectic scoring system used (the best score recorded for each hole over the entire three rounds), the tournament was, as always, wide open to anyone. Hot favourite after last year's performance was Smith, despite the Handicap Committee slashing his official handicap by 4 strokes. This year's new ruling - introduced at rather short notice - was that the previous year's winner would have 2 strokes knocked off his handicap, while any former champion would also have an extra penalty of 1 stroke deducted from his official handicap. Even so, the two favourites were both ex-champs: Smith and Wilson. But there were so many close contenders from previous years - Bates, Sparks and Hardie had all featured prominently. Tipsters were also looking at Harper and Jennings, who were highly favoured if they could master greater consistency. And then of course, the small frame but hugely dominant figure of Bridges, the Dudley's equivalent to Tiger Woods, known for his mental determination and golfing prowess, but suffering from hay fever and an occasionally volatile temperament. Wild cards brought up the rear: Monaghan, who had struggled in previous years but recently became far more focused after joining a new club, and High, the diminutive and unpredictable ex-champ struggling to find his previous form.

Always follow through.