If you want to get hold of a limited edition Open Championship waterproof rain jacket, you can either buy one - or you can earn it.

And that's what Ed Smith is doing this week.

He and his fellow members at the Letham Grange club are marshalling the fifteenth hole, making life easy for the pros and keeping the crowds in order.

"That's easy, though," he admitted. "People round here understand golf."

They don't shout, "In the hole," or "You're the man," in other words.

Whilst holding aloft his "Quiet Please!" sign Ed has enjoyed the rare opportunity to observe the skills of the world's best golfers at close range.

And despite hoping Paul Lawrie and Colin Montgomerie fly the flag for Scotland, he was especially impressed by the talents of Ian Poulter and Luke Donald.

Not all the marshals have been so easily satisfied however.

During the worst of the weather I bumped into one on the front nine who couldn't help making an unfavourable comparison between the rain gear provided for the Dunhill Links Championship and those issued this week.

"The pro-am tournament is fantastic - we get a proper rain suit, a hat and twelve golf balls."

He then held his arms out wide, dripping wet and looking a little sorry for himself.

"And what do we get for the Open? A cap and an anorak that isn't even waterproof."

With that the soggy veteran un-tied a rope and ushered us across the fairway, a little envious of our chance to escape the elements.