Heightened security around the 147th Open Championship in Carnoustie did little to dampen the enthusiasm of golf fans and staff, as practice rounds for the tournament began on Sunday.
There was delight in Dundee too as Tiger Woods flew into the city’s airport on his way up the coast to begin final preparations for the competition.
The American star was the latest in a series of big names who began arriving for the sporting showcase over the weekend.
As the hot summer weather continued, the Courier spoke to some of those who are already savouring the action
For course marshall Don Downie from Arbroath, this will be his third time taking part in the Open.
He said he loved to see so many people enjoying the game.
“I like to take part because I’m speaking to people from all over the world, and I have a role to play representing Angus in a friendly and positive way,” he said.
“We’re not really allowed to speak to the golfers themselves, but it’s great to see some of the younger players at the Open and then watch them develop in the game as they hit the big time in the sport.”
Insurance executive Ralph d’Angelo has been playing golf for 53 years and flew from New York to watch the tournament and soak up the atmosphere.
“I’ve been an overseas member of the Carnoustie Golf Club since 1978, and over the years I’ve brought many clients to Carnoustie, from as far away as Japan,” he said.
“The people here have always been very nice to us when we have come here and it’s an extremely positive experience.
“I’ve played the course myself, and it’s a tough one. The first time I played it, I started off really well and thought I was on fire going round, and all of a sudden it just went all wrong and I didn’t recover from it.”
Captain of Carnoustie Golf Club, Bill Thomson said: “We have completely re-arranged the clubhouse to maximise the numbers of people we can have in the building.
“Things have been building up for a while now, and we have had a lot of workers coming in for food and refreshments, as we open up for breakfast at 6am.
“There is very much a balance to be struck when it comes to Carnoustie hosting the Open.
“On one hand there is a lot of disruption for the residents, but on the other hand, the event puts Carnoustie very much on the global stage, and we benefit from that exposure for years to come.”
When it comes to picking the winner, Mr Thompson hopes that it will be one of the new generation of players who scoops the claret jug.
“People still talk about when Ben Hogan won the Open at Carnoustie in 1953, and I think if one of the new players wins, then it will extend the legacy that we have enjoyed since then,” he added.
