"Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun…"

This gentle mantra from the hippy period is a far cry from the bible-thumbing opening of our 2005 report. Is it a backlash against the hegemony of the right-wing Bush administration? Or perhaps something altogether less complicated - The good vibe provided by the glow of the summer sun shining down on the perfect setting for one of the European tour's most closely guarded secrets: the Dudley Open. 12 players, a trophy to die for and unbeatable weather. Add to the mix a standard of golf rarely seen off the pro circuit, a series of courses that are both a delight and a challenge, and there you have it: the much anticipated DUDLEY OPEN 2006. The usual wrangling about handicaps, niggling injuries and lack of pre-tournament practice preceded the big event, but eventually 12 happy golfers renewed their old friendships and rivalries over a "friendly" warm-up round at the Bridge of Allan.....