By Steve Scott, golf correspondent

SAM TORRANCE is possibly the only man hoping for the storms to arrive as he attempts to build on his excellent 68 at St Andrews yesterday—but it’s not only because the veteran Scot has always been handy in the wind.

As the former Ryder Cup captain heads to Kingsbarns today, he is more concerned with having to wear trousers chosen for him by his amateur partner, son Daniel, for this weekend as they compete in the Dunhill Links Championship.

“I want waterproofs for the rest of the week,” said Sam, resplendent yesterday in eye-watering fawn dogstooth check.

“He’s picked the trousers for the week, and these are almost bland compared to what’s coming.”

On more serious terms, Torrance—despite an excellent run of form in the seniors—is thrilled to return to the big tour.

“I had a couple of unlucky bogeys when good shots caught bunkers at the ninth and eleventh, but aside from that everything was beautiful—and it was blowing a hoolie out there,” he said.

“To play on the big tour these days is a special thing for me.

“I’m playing really nice, and when you’re in the slot you’re not scared of any shot.

“The seniors has really helped, getting a buzz competing in the final round again. That’s something I’ve enjoyed all my life and it’s really nice to feel that again.

“I was maybe a bit negative when I went on the seniors but I’d had three years out with the captaincy stuff.

“I’ve found that you’re still always learning, mostly because you were that stupid to begin with!”

His main aim is to give Daniel more experience and hopefully even regain the team prize they took two years ago—but not just that.

“He didn’t have the best day today, but it’ll come,” he said.

“For me, I’ve got huge aspirations.

“I know I’m playing well and have the possibility of doing well, and that means a lot.”

Sam ended up as leading Scot over all three courses, although Colin Montgomerie and Andrew Coltart both reached four-under at one point at Carnoustie.

They faded off for two-under-par 70s, but that was satisfactory work considering that the Angus course is still regarded by all as the toughest of the three.

At the same venue, Scott Drummond shot a 71 while Gary Orr continued his solid season with a 72, but the news was not so good for Scotland’s two previous winners.

Stephen Gallacher had a two-over 74 at Carnoustie, while Paul Lawrie had a disastrous run from the fourth at St Andrews, dropping four shots in three holes.

He did birdie the 17th and 18th—his first three at the Road Hole—but it was only good enough for a 76.

Elsewhere on the Old Course, Eric Ramsay looked every bit the professional on his outward 36 but reverted to amateur-style dramatics the rest of the way, mixing an eagle, a birdie, three bogeys and a double-bogey to finish with a 74.