The Tour headed just North of its spiritual home this week as the Anstruther Medal was held at Milnathort Golf Club. The players were met with a course in great condition and some of the nicest weather we’ve had all year.

The early favourites Connor/Goldie held on to win the whole thing despite the stat sheet arguing the contrary, but that’s match play. 8 teams battled it out over 12 matches and as the dust settles, we catch-up with the players to get their views on the day’s events.

The Anstruther Medal is a break away from the individual stroke play events that dominate the Tour’s summer schedule so how did the field enjoy it?

Barry Cunningham, making his first appearance at the event said, “it’s a really good event and something different to the norm.”

Stuart Sutherland, also making his debut said, “it was really good. Great wee course, if not a bit blustery on the day.”

Stevie Orr, another debutant said, “? I really enjoyed it! The fact the weather held off made it a good occasion. I’m looking forward to next year’s edition already.”

David McColgan, who played in 2021 said, “It was a great day, I just love the break it gives from individual golf and the challenge of playing over just the nine holes.”

Kevin Brannan, who played in 2021 said, “Excellent day. The course was presented in a brilliant condition and the track itself was a test of golf, especially with a wind that persisted through the day.”

Speaking of the course, Milnathort was new to the Tour’s rota, so what did they all think?

Cunningham said, “I thought the course was good, greens a little slow but enjoyable.”

McColgan said, “I am fairly familiar with the course, but hadn’t played it in a few years and it was great to be back and see it in such great condition. It certainly presented a great canvass for the tournament to be played out upon.”

Orr said, “I thought the course played well. Short, but challenging enough. I wouldn’t mind if the event stayed at Milnathort to be honest.”

Brannan said, “Excellent little 9-hole course. Although not long, there was opportunity to let the driver out while also making you think about shorter, tighter holes.”

The format is a break from the usual events on Tour, how did you all enjoy that?

Orr said, “I loved the format, as it was different from the norm. Playing round with 3 different pairings, meant that you were seeing how different guys played their way around the course. Great way to meet new folk.”

Sutherland and Cunningham both said, “I really enjoyed it, the short format really punishes a bad start.”

Brannan said, “I always enjoy some matchplay and the 4 ball better ball is a good way of keeping everyone involved. Being able to quickly dovetail with your partner is the secret to success.”

So, when all was said and done, how do you feel you played on the day?

David McColgan – who was runner up in the Plate final with Stuart Sutherland said, “I played really well, probably my worst shot of the day was my first tee shot. But I learned and recovered. Personally, I never shot over par in any of my 3 rounds so I can’t complain.”

Stevie Orr – beaten finalist in the Medal said, “I thought I played quite well today. My driver was a lot more reliable than the last event, which was handy. Stuart and I dove-tailed quite a lot which helped. However, my back is slightly sore for carrying him for about 7 holes third time around.”

Kevin Brannan said, “I didn't play my best. I developed a case of the shanks and I struggled from there. Hopefully Greig isn't sticking pins in a voodoo doll of me.”

So, what was the highlight of the day for everyone?

Stuart Sutherland said, “It has to be my second shot into the 5th green in the semi-final and final. Both times I was in the same spot, and I cut a nice hybrid into the wind and finished 8 and 6 feet respectively.”

His partner David McColgan said, “it’s got to be Stuart’s hybrids in to 5. It was like de ja vu in the final.”

Stevie Orr said, “Tough to choose. Beating Kevin and Greig in the semis was a nice feeling. As was sinking the putt to win the 7th to go all square in the final.”

Kevin Brannan said, “Being out playing golf in some of the best weather of the season.”

And the world isn’t all a bed of roses, so what’s the worst moment of the day?

Barry Cunningham said, “Having to play in the wooden spoon match”

Stuart said, “2x OB off the tee on 7th in last match…and hearing Dave sing “you’ll never see me again!!!””

Stevie said, “I missed five putts, either just to the side, or actually lipped out of the hole in the final. If I holed them, we could have potentially won it all. Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve. However, getting to the winner’s final, is an achievement in itself considering my performances in the last two events I’ve taken part in.”

David McColgan was losing sleep just like Stevie, “lipping out for an eagle on 2 was gutting, made worse by Allan (Kinnear) rolling his in for a half – and then the same happening two holes later…that might haunt me for a while!”

Kevin Brannan, who clearly enjoyed his day in the sun said, “getting sun burnt!”

Well, there we have it folks. The concludes the coverage of the 2022 Anstruther Medal. Watch this space for announcements of the 2023 edition until then, enjoy the rest of the season.