AROUND AT CASTLE STUART

The July walk was not really a walk at all, but a visit to the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart over 4 days. So, those of us who went on all 4 days probably walked a lot further than we normally do! Of course, those who went to hospitality, such as Hugh, probably did a lot less.

Still we did get to see some action - here is Jiminez putting on the third on the first day.

Here is Paul Lawrie before things went badly wrong showing how strong his right arm really is.

And here he is teeing off at the 4th - nice follow through. No doubt he saved a bit of money using his son as a caddie - just the sort of thing an Aberdonian might do - at least that is the impression you get from Neil.

A tricky chip from below the green - the sort of place I normally end up in.

Jiminez again. Nice scenery.

Approaching the 9th, and it was dry despite the dark clouds.

Here they all are at the practice range - a place I should go more often.

Colin Montgomerie having a go at improving his pitching - one more thing I should do more often.

Oooh and he knocks over the basket of balls in a fit of pique - something I do too often.

Pondering the putt - something I do a lot of.... and then miss.

The down swing, arms close in, with lots of balls to hit. Perhaps I need to try with a few balls per hole (well, actually, I do but not intentionally).

Me, looking the wrong way - a common sight on the golf course.

Sharon, with Podraig, her pin-up golfer, in the background.

This is some exciting video footage taken by Sharon.

At least, I thought it was, but she just had the camera on the wrong setting - I bet that had you all going. Still it was now time for lunch.

Jacque trying to cheer me up after I had finished my burger and Sharon wouldn't let me have another one.

Robin and Susan in the dark.

Here we are after lunch just to prove we were there.

 Podraig again - I can't see the attraction myself - it is probably just the money she fancies.

 The back of Robin's head.

Another exciting piece of video - please don't blink or you will miss the flash of inspiration.

The 18th on the final day - the scene of some great action and suspense - not something you normally get on a dinosaur walk. I have no idea who the guy in front of us was.

Nearly the end of a great final day out.

The end of the final play off, with Milka Singh winning out .

And here he is going back into the clubhouse to finish off his tea and chocolate cake - something I may try more often to improve my chances of winning.

And this is him getting his trophy and a very large cheque and an interview with the lovely Hazel. The large man on the left sheltering them all from the wind is the ironically named wee Alex.

All in all a bit different from our normal outings, but good fun and it did involve a fair bit of walking and even more standing about - a bit like my golf.

I should add that Mac and Janet and Neil and Ann were there also, but they just don't appear in any photos - you know how some golfing celebrities shun publicity.