While many of the British, Irish and European players struggled to get to grips with the rain in the opening round of the Scottish Hydro Challenge hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, the Scottish weather found an unlikely enthusiast in the shape of Chilean Mark Tullo.
The South American revealed his love for the wind and rain after a four under par opening round of 67 put him into contention at Macdonald Spey Valley Golf Club in Aviemore, where, rather than battling the tough afternoon conditions, he basked in them.
“If it blows a wind here you’re doing good with level par here but I love the wind,” said the 34 year old, who finished tied third at last year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open last year as Luke Donald emerged victorious.
“I love links golf. I must admit that every time I come to Scotland I play well. I enjoy the wind, you have to bounce it 20 yards short and use your imagination. You know how to play the ball low or high and keep it against the wind, it’s always a challenge to come over here. It’s a different sport!
“Last year I played very well in Castle Stuart and finished third so I enjoy the golf courses here in Scotland, it suits my eye. You have to sometimes shoot away from pins and you have to use your head, it’s not just bombing it everywhere.
“I don’t know what it is but I do enjoy it, sometimes the weather just gets in your head but today I got pretty good conditions and got lucky and hopefully it will continue that was.
“It’s not quite Chile! We have two links golf courses in Chile and I've always played there too. There’s just something about links golf that I enjoy a lot.”
The beginning of the second round was subject to a two and a half hour delay due to course conditions after heavy overnight rain.
