We’ve just about regained the ability to hear one another and also turned down the decibels when screaming across the fairway.

I saw one man walking his dog with a bag of rocks tied to the leash just in case the poor thing blew away.

It was quite the welcome back to competition and the players who endured the 14 holes – because let’s face it, you’re not enjoying that – were probably glad it was just 14 holes.

We caught up the field to get their thoughts on the day and the final results.

So, let’s get to it.

That’s the first order of merit event of 2024 in the bag, how did it feel to be out there?

Stuart Allan, who for once in his life probably wished he wasn’t the tallest thing around, said, “it was great to be back. Despite the hurricane it was good to see everyone and out playing golf again after a very long winter.”

Denis Duncan, out in the lead group said, “new year new golf season good to see all the lads again and get the season properly kicked off.”

Stevie Orr said, “it felt good to be back out there and seeing most of the guys again. It was a pity about the wind today, but it made for some interesting scores today.”

Richard Mair, 2-time winner and Rookie of the year in 2023 said, “good to be back. The season has officially started now and looking forward to the Tour.”

Daniel Peck said, “The weather was wilder than one of Alan Duncan’s outfits. And at £46 for 14 holes, it was probably more expensive! Fortunately, the sparse rough made it easier to spot the balls!”

Looking beyond the weather, it looked like the course was in fantastic condition how did you enjoy it?

David McColgan, the 2023 Champion Golfer of the Year said, “the course was in impeccable condition. Given the weather over the past week we were playing on some very fast greens and bone-dry fairways.

Denis Duncan echoed this saying, “considering all the rain and hearing that we were only on 14 holes, did expect a sodden ground. But the ground played well and can't really complain.”

Stuart Allan said, “unbelievable condition, especially given the recent rain. Can’t fault it and would have been great to play in calmer conditions.”

Mair said, “no complaints about the course. It was in great nick; was just a shame we couldn’t play all 18 holes due to the bad weather earlier in the week.”

Daniel Peck said, “the greens were a really good pace considering the amount of wet weather and fairways were in great condition. Hopefully the rest of the Tour’s courses will be just as good!”

The big talking point will of course be the wind, how did you find it?

Stuart Allan said, “it was tough, but strangely the hardest part I found was the putting. I’m sure it was moving my putter on my back swing.”

Denis Duncan said, “the wind took me a few holes to get my game going but it was tough even the putting. Just glad my trolley is ok after the amount if time it ended up on its side.”

David McColgan said, “it was tough out there, keeping control of the clubhead was tough. But at the end of the day it was great fun, thankfully we don’t play in that weather too often, and it was fun hitting different shots.

My approach to the par 3 5th started 40 yards right of the green and ended up 4 feet from the pin. I am not talking about my shot to the par 3 8th though…absolutely gutting haha!”

Stevie Orr said, “I found it very tough going. When your bag falls over on more occasions than we played holes, it shows you how windy it was. I went from nearly driving on the green on one hole, to a drive that went 150 yards straight into the wind on the next.”

Daniel Peck said, “never has a holiday review been requested so violently as the 4th time I screamed “HOW WAS YOUR BARBADOS CRUISE, JIM?!?!””

It was a tough day to judge performances - but where do you think your game is at the start of the season?

Denis Duncan said, “. for me just too early to tell I didn't have a good time of it in Portugal and with last year’s performances I commit to nothing. I know I can play better can I keep the stupid shots that cost me to a minimum. Time will tell.”

Stevie Orr said, “with the poor weather, I wouldn’t be the only one to say I’d like game to better at this stage, but points on the board is always good so I’m happy with that start.”

Richard Mair said, “similarly to my tour debut at Kinghorn last year I made 2/3 big mistakes. Take them off the card and my score would have gotten a pass mark. Overall game isn’t in too bad a place, but more practice needed before Kinghorn!”

A wind battered Peck could only offer, “Who knows. Who cares!” Not quite the hero’s motto!

There were only 9 shots separating the top 8 - even in those conditions that must bode well for an exciting season.

David McColgan said, “absolutely! I think what’s more impressive is the field being that bunched in that weather. When we get into the meat of the season we might see some really exciting finishes this year.”

Stuart Allan said, “Dave aside, I think any of the rest of the field can win on their day and have a good chance of a positive season. Hopefully we can collectively make a better challenge to top spots more regularly.”

Stevie Orr said, “yeah it was one of those days where you if you stayed in it, you wouldn’t be that far away from the top of the leaderboard. Hopefully every tournament is as tight as that.”

Following the announcement of Stuart Sutherland’s win, we’ve now had different 8 winners in the last 9 OOM events - is this the hardest tournament to get a win in?

Stuart Allan, winner of the 2023 Tour Champs, said, “I think it does provide a different challenge to the rest, at a time of the year where the biggest variables in practice are found. Long may it continue.”

Stevie Orr, winner of the 2023 Kinghorn Classic said, “it was a great win for Stuart given the conditions. It was one of those days where you had to be extremely consistent to be at the top, and Stuart did that throughout. It was also brilliant to play around with him as he was striping his 3 wood all day.”

Richard Mair, winner of the 2023 MCM @ Aberdour and the Forrester-Lochgelly Open said, “as I’ve said before anyone can win a tournament in the OoM. The field is deep, and anyone can win on their day.”

David McColgan, 22023 Champion Golfer of the Year said, “every tournament is a brand-new opportunity to win, and the strength of the field is improving year on year. No one out there is struggling to put a score in, we might have an off week, but they always bounce back.

It’s a real battle to get some silverware and the Tour is better for it.”

Stuart Sutherland ended a 3-year run on the OOM without a win on Sunday, how happy are you to see him claim his first victory?

Stevie Orr said, “as I’ve said before, it’s always good to see a new winner on Tour and after how he played, I think he deserved it! Tough luck for David, but I’m sure we’ll see him at the top again soon no doubt.”

Stuart Allan said, “always great to see new winners - keeps it fresh. When he does focus, he hits a great ball. Must be the haircut. Well, done Oaf.”

Richard Mair said, “delighted to see Stuart win. He’s a great guy to play with and nobody is more deserving to get a trophy. Now he’s broken his duck he’ll be on the hunt for more.”

We’ll give the last word, to the wildest guy n Tour at the minute, as everyone was packing up and heading for Kinghorn Daniel Peck had the following to offer, “⁠Looking like Jason Statham nonchalantly swanning around the course today, it sounds like he could do little wrong.

The loveable giant. Everyone’s Dad on the Tour. The people’s champion. Call him what you want. Can he win the whole thing? Absolutely no f*&^ing chance.”

I am sure someone at the Tour breathalysed him, or made him pee in a cup or something, but Peck is certainly keeping the media on their toes in 2024.

Well, there we have it guys.

We’ll be back at the end of the month with all the news, analysis and stories from the Kinghorn Classic. Join us then.