Aberdeen was showcased to the world in a blaze of sunshine as some of golf’s top names got to work at the Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) Scottish Open.
More than 16,500 fans enjoyed the second day of the tournament at Royal Aberdeen as temperatures soared.
And the sight of the rolling links against the sparkling North Sea proved too much for one American golf fan as he watched the tournament live on television at his home in Atlanta.
The viewer frantically called the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club to book a time, saying he was so impressed with the condition of the course.
Joel Hopwood, a golf pro at Royal Aberdeen, who took the call, said: “He said he was watching the golf on the television and that he wanted a time right now.
“He said it was nice to see a fiery green links.
“He is now booked up to play in September with three of his friends when they will all be over for the Ryder Cup.”
More than 11,000 people attended the event on Thursday as tournament favourite Rory McIlroy broke the course record to lead after the first round.
As the sun beat down today, fans enjoyed a breather from the links action in the public village where it was champagne and oysters for some and burgers and beer for others.
Others enjoyed their own packed lunches after positioning their deckchairs in some of the best spots overlooking the green.
Robert and Sheila Walton, of Danestone, perched overlooking the 18th hole in anticipation of McIlroy, Mickelson and others taking their final shots of the day.
Mr Walton said: “It is absolutely fabulous to have the Scottish Open here at Royal Aberdeen. We have been to Muirfield, to Troon. I would say we were golf fanatics but you don’t get much better than this.”
Also positioning themselves at the 18th hole from lunchtime were the Buchan family, from Inverallochy.
Adele Buchan, 39,whose son Charlie, seven, dressed all in orange in tribute to his favourite player Rickie Fowler, said: “It is such a good day out and the kids absolutely love it. They will always remember being here.”
More than 650 volunteers are in place at Royal Aberdeen to help pull off the world-class event.
Championship director Peter Adams said: “We all think it is going great. We have got some of the best players in the world here and they are really enjoying the gold course and the links challenge that it presents.
“And of course, we have this absolutely beautiful weather. It is brilliant for people to be able to come here and see golf being played to this standard on a day like this.
“Royal Aberdeen has proved itself to be up there among the best and it is one of the great first nines in the world.”
Among the volunteers was solicitor Graham Garden, of, Stonehaven, who swapped his suit for his shorts and sunglasses as he kept score on the main board in the village.
Mr Garden said: “It is great to be part of a tournament like this. I volunteered at the Walker Cup last time and enjoyed it so much I thought I would come back.
“It is such a good way to spend a day but I will be going back into the office to check my emails. I will be back tomorrow, carrying a scorecard.
“I have been here since 6am but it has been more than worth it.”