Very much like the previous day, the early starters would have the more challenging conditions. And when 2010 Champion Robbie Faulker drove off, the winds were lighter and the skies showing encouraging signs of blue. Brian Findlayson, the Course Manager, had prepared the course superbly, with the greens registering a credible 9.5 on the stimp meter.
24 players had survived the cut from the previous day and the early scoring was proving uncharacteristically high. Five shots lay between first-round leader, Robbie Faulker, and seven other players who would have a realistic chance of lifting the 2011 title. And so it proved, with all the main challengers reaching the turn in level par or better. Turning back into the wind from the eleventh tee was to proved pivotal with eight players becoming four, shots being dropped at a variety of holes.
Coming down the final few holes, any of the remaining four had a chance of winning: Stuart Dixon was making great use of that broom-handle putter with a series of pressure saves; David Miller was grinding out the pars; Euan Brown was making a charge on the birdie trail; but sadly Robbie Faulker was hitting the wall. Pushed tee shots were beginning to cost the reigning champion dearly. And by the 17th tee he had been overtaken by his challengers, to finish with a disappointing 8 over for the day.
By the 18th it was down to two, Euan Brown and David Miller, and a nail-biting finish. David recorded a second 73 to complement his 76 on the first 18 ...a total of 149. However, Euan followed a 77 on the first 18, with a superb 2-under 70 on day two for a Championship winning total of 147.
Certainly a worthy winner and champion for 2011. Well done, Euan.
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