Many weeks of rain and low temperatures did not bode well for the tournament, but somehow fate was kind to us and as we rode into Troon for a leisurely lunch on Friday, the sun was beating down on the picturesque marina by Scotts restaurant.

Many (but not all!) handicaps had come down over the past year, and the standard of golf was definitely higher than ever. The Governor Wilson had a big hill to climb, having managed to reduce his handicap over the year to 13 and seeing it slashed another 4 strokes for prior Dudley wins.

The reigning champ Skelly Harper was also cut by 2 strokes, but as it turned out had not managed to reduce his relatively high handicap in the meantime, so was certainly worth a punt. Sparkie had always featured high on the leader board, and this year with even more rounds under his belt looked steady and determined - a big crowd favourite.

Smith, the Great White Shark of Prestonfield, certainly had the experience and range of shots to claim the trophy for a second time. Shades Clark had also put in strong scores in previous Dudley Opens, but over the years been pipped at the post by a combination of circumstances and bad luck. Or perhaps this year would be the turn of the two tournament stalwarts, BJ and Dr. Golf, to finally claim a title alongside the great champs of the past.

Jago was certainly not to be discounted, having come on enormously since his debut. And of course Bridges, the only contestant to boast a single figure handicap, was so determined to try for the elusive title that he had flown over from Ireland especially.

That left a trio of players on higher odds - Wee Man High, Big Man Monaghan and Slow Hand Erdal - who had never really lived up to their potential but who, given the scoring system for the Dudley Open, could still easily sneak in through the back door to steal the championship if they could only find their touch.