Spectators were out enjoying the first day of the Scottish Open yesterday at Castle Stuart – with some travelling thousands of miles for the experience.
Keen golfers from as far afield as Vietnam and Texas were among those following the golf on what was a warm but windy day, making for some tricky play.
Quy Hoang was among a trio of businessmen who travelled from Saigon to compete with four others for a place in Wednesday’s Pro-am. They had played a competition at Royal Dornoch the day before to decide who would make the cut.
Mr Hoang said he was disappointed to be one shot off making it, but was nonetheless “delighted” to be out watching Phil Mickelson and getting the full experience.
He added: “The Scottish Open is one of the biggest events on the European Tour. We came from playing golf in a different climate and here it rains a lot. It’s a different kind of golf, the weather is a bit difficult, but it’s been a wonderful experience and we love it. This is our first time being in Scotland and your country is gorgeous.”
Mr Hoang said he also played at Inverness Golf Club yesterday morning and spoke to Russell Knox’s father, who was playing in a competition there. He added: “I said to him that if you can play like your son you’re going to win”.
Texas State university professor David Wiley was also spectating with his wife, Rita, and travelled north from London where he had been carrying out research.
He said: “We were here for the Pro-am as well and we came here to see some of the European players who we don’t get to see so much back home.
“The set up is great. In the US these events feel almost ‘police state’-like but this has a more European feel, it’s more relaxed. We’ve really noticed the difference.”
Dornoch couple Jayne and Andy Marshall were out watching Dornoch golfer Jimmy Gunn during his morning round yesterday. Mrs Marshall said: “Coming to watch Jimmy is quite special really as he is a local boy. It would be really good if he made the cut.”
Mr Marshall said: “It’s a grand event. It’s well organised, everyone has been very helpful and the parking has been so simple”.
Peter Wallace, a keen golfer from East Kilbride, travelled north especially for the event. He said: “I am really impressed with the set up and the course is in fantastic condition. The wind has picked up this afternoon and is making things quite tricky, and that is quite entertaining”.