The Diggers 

The day dawned brightly and as the four potential champions walked on to the first tee, modest applause broke out amongst the gathering crowds. (At this point the secretary regained some semblance of consciousness, which is more than can be said for Portugal) A complicated scoring system was agreed, chiefly over Paul's handicap and the first ball was struck. The 1st at Birkdale, dogleg to the left, provided no problems for anyone until the green was reached, where a variety of appalling misses from close range were perpetuated.

Paul won the hole to par which he promptly repeated at the 2nd. By this time there were mutterings within the ranks and thus, with commendable timing he shanked off the 3rd tee. The front nine was highlighted by Duncan's birdie at the 5th and by the turn it was Tavish by a short head, or should I say nose.

The back nine has become part of golfing folklore and the memories are best left to the reader (Messrs Ham and Graham will just have to use their imagination). The 18th green saw the dramatic conclusion as Tavish failed to three putt from eight feet. Thus, a close victory for Shetland with Edinburgh (Murrayfield), after a back nine charge, or at least shuffle, second.