Ian Poulter (in the lead after a 67 for -12) was more philosophical about the growth and how a day’s play can compound any problems.

‘I hit some good putts which didn’t go in and holed others. The greens are pretty grainy in the afternoon, lots of growth and there will be a few fluffy putts out there but that is fine. Its what is expected. If you can hit it close enough, you shouldn’t be missing putts.

(Nearly) joining Poulter in the lead was a Welsh Hero - not Ian Woosnam who had missed the cut. This one comes in the form of Phillip Price, tormentor then victor over Phil Mickelson at last year’s Ryder Cup. All he could say was that he was steady!

‘I am driving the ball on the fairways, not really getting in any trouble there, the long putting is quite tidy and I hit a few good approach shots in there and took some of my chances.’

Taking his chances was a second round 66, for -10, over a course Price has played around 30 times, mainly in the off season when the course is very long. He does use the impressive Academy a bit to fine tune on lessons from Dennis Pugh, also coach to a certain Colin Montgomorie (and on the way home). One thing he was not pressurised by is becoming the first Welshman to win this Championship, more solely trying to win, perhaps using the experience of the cauldronic pressure against Mickelson to add another title to his collection.

Another one back was Darren Finchart and Mark McNulty. Those more towards the 6 shot ‘rule’ included Andrew Coltart, and looking outside the norm for a last round comeback, Freddie Jacobsen was lurking seven back, along with a slightly rejuventated Steve Webster …. With Poulter playing so well, today more than ever was a ‘moving’ 18, with players having to push themselves closer to Poulter, or letting him ‘get away’.