Castle Stuart. Friday 29 August 2014.

We awoke to rain here in Dornoch, but were assured by Ian our coach driver, that it would be fine and blue skies when we reached Inverness and Castle Stuart.  He was correct, and apart from a few showers, we had a beautiful day.

Here we look from near the putting green over the ninth hole to the Moray Firth.  Castle Stuart is another course with spectacular views from most holes.

The clubhouse has been built with an Art Deco look, and it sits proudly looking over the 2009 creation that is the golf course designed by Gil Hanse (designer of the golf course for the Rio Olympics) and Mark Parsinen.

Another look over the first hole.  The course proved to be very playable.  Fairways were wider, and rough less punishing.  The greens were quite difficult to master being not only quite undulating, but extremely hard and fast.

Nola Faure, our winner from yesterday, has dried out and is shown getting ready to commence her round from the first tee.

The fourth hole, a par three, features Castle Stuart as a focal point in the distance behind the green.  The distinctive "finialled ogee" on top of the castle, which looks like a crown on the castle, is used as the logo for the golf course.

Robyn Hanson is shown keeping an eye on proceedings on the par three 8th hole.

The scene as you walk down to the 10th hole.  There is no doubting why this course, the venue for the 2011, 2012, & 2013 Scottish Opens, was almost immediately included to the world top 100.

Alan Pritchard driving down the par four 10th hole.

The green at the par four 15th.

Jim Mitchell approaches the par three 11th on his way to a very solid round of 40 points.

The view down the par five 18th.

Scoring was quite hot today, thanks to good weather and a really playable course.  The clubhouse was full of smiles upon our return which was great to see.  Michael Merrett finished his round on fire with birdies on 4 of his last 5 holes. In addition to Jim Mitchell and his 40 points, Wendy Pullar scored 41 and left quite a few out there.  We had two however on 43 points.  James Angus who continued his great form, and Kim Hay.  Kim showed some great signs yesterday in the rain, so it was great to see a strong result today.  Kim was our winner today, great job Kim.

We get a well earned sleep in tomorrow, with some heading to the local Clynelish whisky distillery for a special tour prior to an afternoon round here at Royal Dornoch.