Wee Willie Winky Taylor rins through the toon,
Up stairs an' doon stairs withoot his nicht-gown,
Tirlin' at the fire exit, crying at the lock,
"Are ee Thurso eens in their bed, for it's now 2 o'clock?"
Yes the full Thurso squad were back in style this year for the Open! One even locked himself out of his room (and hotel!) in a state of undress which if you saw the trousers he wore on Saturday isn't actually that bad. It was good to see them all back this year and thanks to Sid for organising them best he could!
Indeed it was a full field this year of 128 competitors with 15 clubs represented. And it must be said quite a healthy share of the prizes went to them.
In the gross section the halfway lead was shared by the Rendalls (Steven & Ewan) with 68s three clear of Brian Corsie and four clear of Kenny Sinclair whose 72 included a spectacular 3 at the 12th (his 3rd shot was the longest!). While in the nett section it was Kirkwall's Ronnie Patterson (59) that held a 3 shot lead from Glen McLellan (62).
After an unhealthy amount of top notch buffet everyone struggled back up the first for their second round. The on course jungle drums were working as news came through Ewan was out in +3, Brian +2 and Steven +1. It was looking good for Steven to reclaim his title and an incredible 7th major in 2 years. And sure enough when Ewan posted a 70 for a 138 total one clear of Brian (71,68) everyone knew it was Steven's. He duly came in with a best of the day 65 for a five shot victory.
It was a closer competition for shot of the day however as Kenny's holed wedge for birdie at 12 was overtaken by Marty Flett holing his 2nd at 17 but in the end it has to go to eagle specialist Andy Bonner who aced the 8th for his first ever hole in one.
The nett section wasn't as close though as Ronnie added a 65 to his 59 to be 4 clear of Ewan. With scratch being 66 for both rounds this should see his handicap slashed!
Lots of thanks as usual: Everyone that traveled to play - great to see you all and hope you'll return next year. Ladies section for fabulous buffet. Sponsors for their generous support. The starters for their efforts on a looooong day! And lastly to the greenstaff, one visitor who has played many of the top courses this year remarked that Stromness was the course he'd played which was in the best condition - can't argue with that!
