In all, 1.1m tonnes of earth and rock were excavated in the construction of the 2010 course, flattening out the harsh gradients of the back nine, and using the aggregate to raise the opening holes above the level of the Usk's flood plain.

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Scottish Building Federation Executive Director Michael Levack thinks that the latest figures "paint an overly optimistic picture of the construction sector's performance in the course of last year".

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In addition, inventory levels in some industries again, most notably in industries linked to construction and motor vehicle production rose over the course of last year, leading some firms to cut production to better align inventories with sales.

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Montgomerie admitted that whenever he designs a course - he has a dozen in play around the world now and another 10 at various stages of either contract or construction - he has his own game in mind.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Monty braced for course reaction