A host of famous faces have been spotted at The Open this week – including big names from the worlds of showbiz and politics.
Line of Duty star Martin Compston was spied in the Loch Lomond Whiskies tent on Friday alongside close friend Gordon Smart, the Kinross broadcaster and former newspaper editor.
Another TV favourite, former Love Island winner Nathan Massey, posed for pictures with fans of the show in attendance at the Home of Golf.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was also in town for the day.
The FM, whose transport minister Jenny Gilruth has been under fire over the lack of trains to The Open, insisted efficient rail services were a priority for future events.
She said: “We want to make sure that in future years when The Open or any other major event is on in Scotland, we have the rail services we need – particularly when we’re encouraging people to use more environmentally-friendly forms of transport.”
Ms Sturgeon, who travelled to St Andrews by car, said The Open was enormously important to Scotland, bringing an estimated £200 million economic benefit.
“There’s an absolute commitment to make sure Scotland is seen as the home of The Open and we’ll continue to build on the efforts to support The Open to come here,” she said.
From pop royalty to princesses
The star attraction on Thursday was ex-One Direction singer Niall Horan.
Niall, who signed autographs and posed for selfies with fans and course marshals, was in attendance despite pal Justin Rose pulling out of the tournament through injury.
He owns his own golf management firm, which looks after Italian Guido Migliozzi, who was out with Ryder Cup heroes Ian Poulter and Jamie Donaldson on Friday.
And there was even a Royal visitor with Princess Anne seen at the first tee of the Old Course on the final practice day.
Golf is said to be one of her favourite sports and she wore a hat commemorating the 150th year of the championship.
European royalty also put in an appearance when Prince Albert of Monaco joined members of the R&A on Friday.
Elsewhere, NBA legend Pau Gasol has been at the course supporting pal Sergio Garcia, who has made a strong comeback from a poor first round.
And it’s claimed Robbie Williams was spotted driving around town earlier in the week.
He was said to be launching a new golf clothing range at Stewart’s Resort on the outskirts of town.
The speculation comes just a week after he shot a commercial for the clothing.
Rain doesn’t stop play at The Open Championship
Despite a rainy start to Friday, crowds flocked to St Andrews for the second day of play.
A power cut in Dairsie resulted in emergency roadworks and three-way traffic lights on one of the main routes to the course and slowed traffic down substantially in the morning.
However diversions were put in place and the problem was fixed by midday.
Spectators from across the world enjoyed following their favourite players along the fairways.
And they took advantage of the hospitality tents and food outlets in the spectator zone.
Here are the best pictures of the day from The Courier’s Steve Brown…
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