The Open 2010: The 17th hole in pictures

9.30am So, here we are at the 17th. A couple of markers in the tee-box indicate the start of this monstrous hole. Only 495 yards to go from here. Easy Photograph: David Levene 10.25am A couple of marshals, here, awaiting the crowds. This hole is sure to be popular with spectators today after all the controversy surrounding its redesign Photograph: David Levene 10.30am First up, Paul Lawrie, Thomas Levet and Steve Marino. This should be interesting. Marino gives it a good old whack and safely finds the hole in four strokes. Lawrie follows suit before Levet lets everyone down with a bogey. Tut tut Photograph: David Levene 10.40am These spectators have decided spikes are the way forward, even though they're not playing. Always good to look the part Photograph: David Levene 11.10am Meanwhile this pair are looking out from the rough on the edge of the 17th fairway. Probably not the best place to stand in the circumstances - that's where half of the balls will be heading Photograph: David Levene 11.40am The officials are quick to amend the large scoreboard so that the fans are up to date Photograph: David Levene 11.55am Here's a ball spotter trying to spot, well, balls Photograph: David Levene 12.20am Looks like Rory McIlory is leading the charge - he's eight under after 16 holes, according to this electronic contraption held by a course official Photograph: David Levene 12.30pm Oliver Wilson's ball sits in the rough on the 17th. Not a bad lie, but he still ends up bogeying the hole Photograph: David Levene 12.35pm Here's Rory McIlroy in the white shirt and black cap to the right of the picture. Somewhat unbelievably he's within range of a birdie, but he can't quite sink the critical putt. Shame - that could've helped him towards the lowest ever score for a single round of golf at a major Photograph: David Levene 12.40pm A young girl practises her swing in the rough. Not sure a brolly is the way forward, but top marks for effort Photograph: David Levene 12.45pm 'Go Ernie Go'. That's heaping a lot of pressure on the big South African Photograph: David Levene 1.09pm But when he finally arrives he doesn't disappoint - carding four strokes for the hole Photograph: David Levene 1.15pm Whatever she's watching, she's not overly impressed. Maybe it's Laurie Canter or Ewan Porter - they both shot nine over today Photograph: David Levene 1.20pm Here's Tiger. He's playing with Camilo Villegas and Justin Rose today Photograph: David Levene 1.25pm Up he comes to the 17th green. He's already six under today; wouldn't want to stuff it up now Photograph: David Levene 1.30 Damn it! A short putt goes awol. That's a bogey for Tiger Photograph: David Levene 1.35pm Villegas's caddie tries to calm the flag. It's a bit windy out there today Photograph: David Levene 1.45pm. These journalists are following the progress of Ryo Ishikawa - the Japanese Ian Poulter (sort of) Photograph: David Levene 1.50pm Looks like the guy on the right must be doing some important liaising Photograph: David Levene 1.55pm Tom Watson, now, who almost won the Open last year. After three successive bogeys on the outward nine, he makes it back to the clubhouse unscathed Photograph: David Levene 1.55pm Plenty of clapping here. Must have been a good shot by Tom Photograph: David Levene 2.09pm This sprinkler cover even has the yardage to the pin written on it. Odd Photograph: David Levene 3pm Nearby, there's a warning to all passers-by about the dangers of errant balls Photograph: David Levene 3.05pm She hearts rain, apparently. Not a sentiment echoed by many people at the course. At least it's not pelting it down like it did during yesterday's practice Photograph: David Levene 3.15pm A pint of Best. That's a lovely sight. What better place to watch the action than from a pub near the fairway? Photograph: David Levene 3.20pm A BBC camerman on a lonely shift above the 17th Photograph: David Levene 3.25pm These seagulls are having fun looking for scraps Photograph: David Levene 3.35pm Back at the tee position now, where Louis Oosthuizen, Jeff Overton and Colm Moriarty prepare to tee off. Looks like the sun is finally coming out Photograph: David Levene 3.45pm Plenty of spectators are still lining the course as the afternoon's play nears an end Photograph: David Levene 4.05pm Surely any advantage he's gaining by using a periscope is lost by crouching down? Just a thought Photograph: David Levene 4.30pm A bit of tidying up now. Wonder if they got free tickets? If they did, they'll have seen some great action today. McIlroy is in the lead at nine under par. Let's hope he doesn't come a cropper at the 17th in the coming days. Photograph: David Levene