Like most board games, there is of course an element of skill, but ultimately the winning player also needs to have luck on his side. It is this enigma that makes golf such a frustrating and unpredictable game, and helps to create the type of exciting open-ended competition that presents a true challenge for top-calibre players: the Dudley Open.

With so many hotly tipped golfers presenting so much collective potential, the favourite for this year's Man and His Shaft trophy was impossible to call. But we all know from experience that it's not enough to simply show potential - you have to be able to realise that potential. Furthermore - as anyone familiar with financial markets will tell you - past performance is no guarantee of the future.

The stage was set, the venue chosen: the beautiful west coast of Scotland, and namely the prestigious golfing arenas of Troon and Ayr. Another crowd-puller and spine-tingler, like every year. Read on to find out more….