4 years on and 42 miles west of the original Anstruther Medal the EuroDov Tour team arrived at Saline Golf Club to signal the end of the summer break.

Traditionally the Tour shuts down for most of June to allow the players to fulfil off-Tour commitments and the Anstruther Medal marks a fun return to competition for the field.

This year saw the return of defending champions Ally Greenshields and Callum McNeill, vanquished finalists Allan/Duncan returned too. In total 8 teams took on the challenge of the short, but hilly course to contend for the honour of winning the Anstruther Medal.

In the end a very unlikely pair – although maybe pre-destined pair is more appropriate – were left holding the trophy at the end of play. Kieran Lynch and Stuart Anderson had competed in 2 previous Anstruther Medals, finishing last in each of them, but in 2024, and in Lynch’s last appearance in a EuroDov Tour event, they romped to win it all.

We sat down with the pair to hear their thoughts on the historic win.

Congratulations gents, and welcome to the winners circle for the first time in your EuroDov careers, how does it feel?

Kieran Lynch said, “After the amount of golf balls I’ve lost on courses this week, pretty good. A nice surprise before heading off to Canada.”

Stuart Anderson, who was making only his fourth appearance on Tour said, “It feels incredible. Winning my first Tour event is a dream come true. It's a culmination of all the hard work and dedication, and nothing to do with a high handicap.”

You’ve both managed your maiden victories together does it feel extra special to have done it alongside your good friend?

Lynch said, “absolutely! Two idiots trying to play golf and we went and won it. Tremendous. We played fairly well for our standards and made use of our shots. If one of us had a bad hole the other seemed to step up and play well.”

Anderson echoed that saying, “Definitely! Winning is always special, but sharing this moment with Kieran makes it even more memorable. We've been through a lot together, and to achieve this victory alongside him is something I'll cherish forever. His putt from off the side of the 8th green to win the match was the highlight of the day.”

Pre-event most pundits had you as favourites to finish last, what were your expectations going into the event?

Anderson said, “we were aware of what the pundits were saying and confidence was low going into the first round, but we managed to stay focused on our game plan despite some trash talking from opponents attempting to get in our heads.”

Lynch offered, “our expectations were not to finish last after our previous performance at Falkland. So, by that measurement we’ve had a successful day.”

You beat the multiple major winning duo of Love/McColgan in the qualifier before putting Allan/Duncan to the sword, did it feel like you were unbeatable out there?

Kieran said, “I guess once we had managed to beat those two groups luck was going to be in our side. Going out against Peck and Richard our legs were feeling heavy and we did not feel confident walking up that first fairway. And when we went two down after two, we thought we’d blown it. But I had faith that me or Stuarty would use extra shots to our advantage later on in the round. Which we managed to.”

Anderson said, “both matches were tough, and we knew we had to be at our best to come out on top. Beating such high-calibre opponents certainly boosted our confidence, but we stayed grounded and focused on playing one shot at a time.”

Kieran, it felt a little bit like fate today, you played in your last ever EuroDov Tour event, before departing for Canada, quite the sign off from the Tour, wasn't it?

Lynch said, “it was pretty fun to win before heading off to Canada. I’ve played in several events now. Loved them all. Loved the camaraderie within the group and it will be missed. I’m gutted not to be playing in the RyDov this year as everyone knows that’s my favourite event.”

You made your first Tour appearance in 2017 and have played in 6 RyDov Cups, 4 Anstruther Medals and represented the Tour in 1 Carnegie Cup - as you depart for Canadian shores, do you have any reflections on your time on Tour?

“Just a thank you to Dave for putting it all together. A huge amount of effort to bring so many people together from all different backgrounds. It’s what sport is all about. And winning which I finally did last year at the RyDov and here at Saline. The guys are always great. Good fun, often angry at their golf shots but at the same time a caring group of guys. All the best to everyone and I hope I will see a few of you down the line.”

Stuart, what was your reflection on Kieran’s win, as he sets off for foreign shores?

“You couldn’t have scripted it any better. The stars aligned for him, and it was the perfect way to sign off. Now he gets to head off to Canada as the Anstruther Medal winner which I’m sure the Canadians will be super impressed with. Maybe he might be back to defend the title next year.”

That’s the third year you’ve partnered Lynch in the Anstruther, can you give us a sneak peek and tell us who will you be pairing up with in 2025 in your defence of the Medal?

“I can't reveal too much just yet, but I can say that I'm in discussions with a few potential partners. I'm looking for someone who complements my style of play and shares the same drive to win.”

Well, there we have it folks, sport has a funny way of giving us the best stories and the 2024 Anstruther Medal will certainly be remembered for that.

Kieran Lynch who made his debut on Tour 7 years ago, signs off with a win in his last ever event. Everyone at the Tour wishes him the best of luck on his new adventures and I am sure the door will forever be open should he wish to return.