Now we are into 2025, thoughts begin to turn to the start of the new season in April and whilst the EuroDov Cup, the season opening event and Major, is the first event of the calendar year, for many the St Andrews Open and the start of the Order of Merit is the signal the season is here.

The Order of Merit enters its 5th year in 2025 and has matured and settled into the premier event of the EuroDov Tour calendar. In 2025 16 players will compete to win the James Braid Quaich, the field boasts five Major winners and nine players who have at least one Order of Merit event win to their name and with four prize money spots and two relegation places at play every player needs to be on form to contend.

EuroDov Reporter has taken time to sit down and look at each individual player and assess their prospects ahead of 2025. So, sit back, and enjoy their reviews.

Next up is Stuart Sutherland.

Sutherland took the Order of Merit and the Tour by storm in 2024. He lifted the first two events of year, St Andrews Open and Kinghorn Classic, as well as closing out the season with his maiden Major at the Montgomery Cup.

He’s been on the OoM since its inception and 23 appearances has recorded 11 top 5 finishes including two victories.

His most successful event has been the Kinghorn Classic averaging a 3rd place finish, the Dodhead his next with a 5th place finish. His average finishing position in all events is 6th place showing he’s not to be taken lightly.

Sutherland had his best OoM finish in 2024 with a 4th place finish which reversed a 12th and 10th in the years prior to that.

Can he repeat in 2025?

I wouldn’t bet against him winning another event, he clearly has the taste for it now and his attitude to his game is definitely improving.

He’s only played 1 full season on the Order of Merit, and we know that missing events harms players prospects, so being present at all events is a biggie for him.

Sutherland’s ceiling is probably 5th place, I can’t see him winning two events again this season but saying that I don’t think his floor is too low.

I think Sutherland will find himself back around mid-table with an 11th place finish.