Fresh off our new year scrub down the team at From the Locker Room got out and about to catch-up with some of the EuroDov Carnegie Cup Team.

The inaugural event will take place on 28th May and the will be the first time the EuroDov Tour faces off against non-Tour players.

So how does it feel to be selected to represent the EuroDov Tour in the 2023 Carnegie Cup?

Stevie Orr appointed Vice Captain and in the side by virtue of a Captain’s pick said, “It’s great to be selected, not only as a captain’s pick, but also being appointed as a vice captain, along with Paul. I can’t wait to take part in what should be a cracking day, and hopefully a EuroDov win.”

Denis Duncan said, “Feels good to be part of the elite. I just hope my golf improves before May.”

Stuart Allan said, “I’m really proud of the EuroDov Tour so to play in the team is great - it is also a format I love and setting up against another team will give it a real Ryder Cup locker room feel. Can’t wait.”

David McColgan said, “I am delighted to be part of Brannan’s team and to be stepping out on behalf of the Tour. Looking forward to a great day’s golf, and real team atmosphere amongst the guys.”

The 2023 event will be hosted at Burntisland Golf House Club. How do you feel about that?

Allan said, “I do like playing other courses for the experience, but it does feel a big advantage having a large part of the EuroDov team really familiar at Burntisland. The course is always kept in great condition so it will be a worthy track for the cup.”

Orr said, “It’s a course I have played a handful of times with Kevin, so having knowledge of the course is great. I know there are a few others in the team that play there on a regular basis, which will only help our performance as a team.”

McColgan said, “It can only be a positive to play there. At least of the players on the side are members or have been until recently and that’s going to serve the team well.

From a personal point of view, I love the course, it’s always in great condition and look forward to playing it in the pressure of matchplay.”

Duncan said, “I have played it enough over the last year to have a better understanding. I do need to get out and brush off the winter cobwebs though as I have not played much the last few months.”

Looking at the team do you have a preference on when you go out in the morning?

Orr said, “As vice-captain, I am happy to play at any time. Sometimes, waiting does more harm than good. Other times, it’s beneficial to see how the rest tackle that opening tee shot.”

McColgan said, “I am not too bothered actually, I’ll let the Captain make those choices. I’d be comfortable leading from the front or settle for middle of the pack. Once that opening tee-shot has been hit there’s only one thing to focus on.”

Denis Duncan took a very similar approach saying, “I have no preference really, I’ll play where I am told and get on with it.”

Stuart Allan said, “I would rather get out early, try and lead the way and get positive momentum going. Too much waiting can be frustrating, and also early back for the beers!!”

The afternoon foursomes is always the most hotly anticipated affair due to the many combinations of pairings, have you got your eye on anyone and will you be asking the Captain to consider it?

Stuart Allan said, “I think we all know each other pretty well - it’s a shame Paul isn’t playing as our games would dovetail well. I think me and Dave would make and unbeatable team but depends on other players strengths and how the captain wants to set it up. Kev will do a great job so happy with whatever is selected.”

McColgan and Allan clearly have eyes for each other as he said, “I’d love to go out in a power pairing, someone like Stuart Allan or Allan Kinnear would be great to play with.

However, I have won Kinross Medal playing alongside Stuart Sutherland before as well and won the Kingswood Medal around Burntisland partnering Greig Baxter, so there are loads of combinations.

Brannan will pick the team he sees best suited, and he’ll do it well, at the end of the day my job is to turn up and play alongside whoever I am paired with.”

Duncan went a little bit less specific but still very honest, “I don’t have any preference who I play with, as long as they can carry me to a win.”

Stevie said, “I am happy to play with anyone in the team. If anyone wants to pitch any ideas to Kevin, Paul and I, then feel free and we’ll discuss.”

The Tour was rocked at the start of the 2023 season with the announcement of Paul Gowens medical treatment and his indefinite leave from playing. However, Gowens has been named as a non-playing Vice-Captain, what does this mean to the team?

Playing Vice-Captain, Stevie Orr, said, “It’s great that he can be involved in any capacity. A big boost for the whole team, without a shadow of a doubt.”

Denis Duncan said, “I wish he was playing but it will be great inspiration and hopefully give us an extra edge to win.”

McColgan said, “the impact of having him around the team room is going to be immeasurable. It’ll be hard on him not being out there with the boys, but just having him on the course will spur everyone along.”

Stuart Allan said, “Paul has quickly become and big character and mainstay of the tour so it’s gutting to see him miss out. Having him out there will mean a lot and I’m sure his Geordie words of wisdom will be inspirational!”

In terms of the SanWedge Tour, there is very little known about them. Only three players will be known to the EuroDov Team, Mair, McNeill and Peck who all hold EuroDov Tour membership – does the opposition being an unknown entity matter?

Stuart Allan said, “I think we know enough to say that it is within our capability to get the win and it’s more about how we play, compete, and support each other as a team. We go into this as favourites but without complacency and Burntisland could be the deciding factor.”

Stevie Orr said, “no matter the opposition, we’ll enjoy ourselves and hopefully bring that trophy home.”
Denis Duncan said, “I think knowing them can bring more banter and trying to get in their head. But not knowing can put more on you to concentrate on your game.”

David McColgan said, “at the end of the day, golf is about you against the course. If you don’t perform it doesn’t matter who is on the other side of the tie. I think with 42 tour honours between us, the guys know this, and Kevin will certainly be reminding us of it in the team room.

It’s a great step for the EuroDov Tour and it’ll be great to welcome the SanWedge guys to Burntisland.”

Well there we have it folks, a quick catch-up with four of the EuroDov Tour team taking on the SanWedge Tour at Burntisland Golf House Club on the 28th May.