The course itself is mentally and physically challenging, with some steep hills and a virtual gale-force wind holding back the ball on long par fours. With the weather playing such a key role, it was inevitable that Stableford scores would be lower than normal. At the lunchtime interval, Maclean did indeed meet the expectations placed in him to card a very respectable 27 points, a score equalled by the unflappable and stylish Sparks and three-times champ Wilson, who simply refuses to give up. But it was the campaign veteran and former champ Norrie Smith who showed the young pretenders that experience counts most, returning a card with a very impressive 29 points.

Straight back out for the second afternoon round, but this time the benefit of having played the course and slightly better weather conditions, although the breeze was still fairly stiff. There were some interesting moments, both highs and lows, all caught by our redoubtable cameraman, Mr Sootie.

And so back in the clubhouse, the contest was neck and neck with many players coming in around 24, 25 and 26 points. Maclean repeated the morning's star performance with another 27 points, but yet again he was pipped to the post by Smith, with second, equally consistent round of 29 points. So in terms of aggregate scores, the overnight leader shirt eventually reverted to Norrie Smith, whose consistency in such adverse conditions was proving to be the X factor missing from other players' games. But tomorrow was another day - a different course with different conditions. And as we all know, with the eclectic scoring method…anything is possible!