Nairn's back-nine boasts a par of 36 and 3350 yards (off the medal tees). Modest by modern standards but woe betide the player who takes this piece of golfing architecture lightly. Punishing rough, hidden bunkers and undulating greens are only one part of this demanding inward half.
While a mere 36 inches longer than the eighth, number ten did at least have the benefit of a following wind ...enough for David and Ian to comfortably reach the green with a drive and a middle iron. Alex was comfortably placed on the front edge and two putts secured Nairn a net birdie four and a halve.
The eleventh hole, 'Gate', a 160 yard awkward par 3 needs a bit of planning, especially with the pin placed to the right, over the front mount, twenty feet on, but perilously close to a green-side pot bunker. All four tee-shots were there, or there abouts.
First to play was Douglas ... a consistent putter at the best of times, and with a reputation of reading the greens and subtle borrows with a magical consistency. A nod of the head ...balanced feet ...smooth stroke ...birdie two!! Valiant attempts from the opposition failed to match the score and Barassie take a two hole lead.
At that devilish 13th 'coronary hill' hole, where the air seemed to get thinner the higher, and slower you climb, Ian halved the deficit, copy-book style ...long penetrating drive; high floating mid-iron to the plateau part of the green; two solid putts ...job done.
However. the match turned on the 16th. Wayward shots from the deadly duo from Nairn meant the hole was not just lost, but gifted to their gritty opponents, with a simple par.
DORMIE 2!! Could Nairn do something down the final two??
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