With the sun set to break over Kinross Golf Courses on Saturday 6 September, the stage is set for the 11th playing of the RyDov Cup. This one day spectacle, battling across morning singles and afternoon Greensomes, has become EuroDov Tour lore — a crucible of personal rivalry, tactical nuance, and sheer nerves. Yesterday’s fog shrouded memories still linger from 2024, when Team Gowens clinched victory in an electrifying finale that hinted at a new era on tour.

Since the inaugural cup in 2013 — forever remembered for the infamous “collapse at Kinross” — the RyDov Cup has matured, infusing the Tour with fresh blood and dramatic storylines. Battles between captains, families, and legacy players have shaped its narrative: 2016 brought chaos, 2017 saw a three peat, and in 2020 Denis Duncan pulled off a famous “double”. And in 2024, Team Gowens drew the battle line across Kinross fairways, but this year Team Allan have bolstered their roster, determined to wrest back the hallowed trophy.

At the heart of the 2025 confrontation lies a clash of momentum vs. resilience. Team Gowens returns with red blooded tenacity — led by a captain whose 2024 win “signals a new dawn for the Tour”. They bring established matchplay artisans, sprawling Greensomes combinations, and a belief born from past triumphs.

Meanwhile, Team Allan, donned in team blue, carry a resurgence: deep Cup experience from stalwarts like Allan Kinnear and David McColgan, and youthful spark through rookies Rory Malloch and Ally Greenshields.

The format immutably demands adaptability. Singles battles will hinge on carefully calibrated handicap allowances — penalising heavyweights like McColgan. In the afternoon, Greensomes will separate those who strategize in sync from those left out of step. As we approach tee off, it’s clear this isn’t just a tournament — it’s a story. Brimming with family rivalries, tactical gambits, and personal redemption arcs, the 2025 RyDov Cup promises another chapter of unforgettable, shot by shot drama.

Twenty-four players, twelve matches, two teams - the 2025 RyDov Cup promises another thrilling chapter in this fiercely competitive and emotionally charged inter-team clash. With every player bringing with them a decade of stories — this isn't just golf. It’s RyDov.

Below, we break down every morning singles and afternoon Greensomes match, one-by-one, with form guides, stat comparisons, narratives, and predictions.
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Morning Singles Matches – All Square Until They’re Not

Match 1: David McColgan v Stuart Anderson (15)

David McColgan: OTR: 1 | Tour Wins: 32 | Major Wins: 14

RyDov Appearances: 10 | Total Points: 16.5 (55%) | Singles Points: 4.5 (45%) | Greensomes Points: 12 (60%)

The Tour’s dominant figure. His record isn’t flawless in the RyDov arena, but McColgan brings unmatched pedigree. Team Allan’s talisman.

Stuart Anderson: OTR: 25 | Tour Wins: 0 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 2 | Total Points: 0.0 (0%) | Singles Points: 0.0 (0%) | Greensomes Points: 0 (0%)

The only player yet to register a point, Anderson will hope to convert his 15-shot singles advantage into a first-ever RyDov scalp.

Analysis: McColgan is the most decorated player on Tour, but this is matchplay with full handicap. Anderson receives 15 shots — nearly a stroke every hole. The gap in experience is cavernous, yet McColgan must win nearly every hole just to halve.

Prediction: Halved. Despite the shot burden, McColgan’s elite class ensures he scraps his way to a tie.
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Match 2: Rory Malloch v Jim Robertson (7)

Rory Malloch: OTR: 20 | Tour Wins: 0 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 1 | Total Points: 1.0 (33%) | Singles Points: 1.0 (100%) | Greensomes Points: 0 (0%)

A one-game star so far, Malloch’s potential is exciting. With only one cap, it’s time to see if he’s the real deal.

Jim Robertson: OTR: 26 | Tour Wins: 0 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 5 | Total Points: 7.5 (50%) | Singles Points: 1.5 (30%) | Greensomes Points: 6 (60%)

Veteran journeyman Robertson brings experience and calm. His value peaks in the afternoon, where his steady play style complements big hitters.

Analysis: Robertson’s experience and cool temperament suit the chaos of matchplay. Malloch remains raw but hungry. Seven shots is a lot, but Malloch’s 100% singles win rate in his debut can't be overlooked.

Prediction: Robertson wins. Veteran savvy and handicap edge overwhelm youthful fire.
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Match 3: Kevin Brannan v Paul Gowens (5)

Kevin Brannan: OTR: 9 | Tour Wins: 4 | Major Wins: 2

RyDov Appearances: 8 | Total Points: 8.0 (33%) | Singles Points: 4.0 (50%) | Greensomes Points: 4 (25%)

Brannan is better than his Cup record suggests. A multiple Major winner with experience, this year could mark his RyDov redemption arc.

Paul Gowens: OTR: 4 | Tour Wins: 9 | Major Wins: 1

RyDov Appearances: 3 | Total Points: 5.0 (56%) | Singles Points: 3.0 (100%) | Greensomes Points: 2 (33%)

The beating heart of Team Gowens and its inspirational captain, Paul is a fierce competitor with a flawless singles record in RyDov history. A Tour stalwart with 9 wins, his only weakness lies in his patchy Greensomes record, something he'll aim to improve this year.

Analysis: Gowens is a clinical matchplay competitor, undefeated in singles. Brannan has the stats, but Gowens' history in the Cup and his five-stroke advantage give him an edge.

Prediction: Gowens wins. He maintains his perfect singles record with a measured, shot-savvy performance.
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Match 4: Greig Baxter v Graeme Connor (3)

Greig Baxter: OTR: 16 | Tour Wins: 1 | Major Wins: 1

RyDov Appearances: 6 | Total Points: 9.5 (53%) | Singles Points: 2.5 (42%) | Greensomes Points: 7 (58%)

Steady and cerebral, Baxter is a reliable contributor with solid numbers across both formats. He thrives when overlooked.

Graeme Connor: OTR: 14 | Tour Wins: 0 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 6 | Total Points: 12.0 (67%) | Singles Points: 4.0 (67%) | Greensomes Points: 8 (67%)

One of the most consistent RyDov performers, Connor quietly racks up points with clinical matchplay style. Expect him to be a key contributor again.

Analysis: A balanced match with stats suggesting Connor is slightly ahead. Baxter has the better Tour ranking and recent form, but Connor’s consistency in team events is underrated.

Prediction: Connor wins. The 3 shots tip the balance in a razor-tight contest.
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Match 5: Ally Greenshields v Denis Duncan

Ally Greenshields: OTR: 13 | Tour Wins: 1 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 2 | Total Points: 4.0 (67%) | Singles Points: 2.0 (100%) | Greensomes Points: 2 (50%)

Quietly effective, Greenshields boasts an unblemished singles record. He’s one of the most quietly exciting talents in the squad.

Denis Duncan: OTR: 18 | Tour Wins: 1 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 9 | Total Points: 12.0 (44%) | Singles Points: 5.0 (56%) | Greensomes Points: 7 (39%)

The elder statesman brings wisdom and guile. His form is unpredictable, but when he's on, he can upset the best — particularly in singles.

Analysis: On paper, Duncan should win this. But Greenshields is 2 for 2 in singles and has looked imperious in pressure moments.

Prediction: Greenshields wins. Form over experience in a thriller.
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Match 6: Stevie Orr v Daniel Peck (4)

Stevie Orr: OTR: 19 | Tour Wins: 2 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 2 | Total Points: 1.0 (17%) | Singles Points: 1.0 (50%) | Greensomes Points: 0 (0%)

Still new to the team dynamic, Orr’s record is slight. A win this year would be a step forward in his development arc.

Daniel Peck: OTR: 7 | Tour Wins: 1 | Major Wins: 1

RyDov Appearances: 7 | Total Points: 13.0 (62%) | Singles Points: 1.0 (14%) | Greensomes Points: 12 (86%)

A Greensomes machine, Peck boasts the highest win percentage in the afternoon format across both teams. While his singles record is poor, he’s a near-guaranteed point when paired up.

Analysis: Peck has had struggles in singles despite strong Greensomes form (12 pts, 86%). Orr is steadier.

Prediction: Orr wins. Peck’s singles record remains his Achilles’ heel.
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Match 7: Alan Duncan (7) v Barry Cunningham

Alan Duncan: OTR: 22 | Tour Wins: 3 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 4 | Total Points: 3.5 (29%) | Singles Points: 1.5 (38%) | Greensomes Points: 2 (25%)

A player who has struggled to convert talent into points, Alan enters with a point to prove — and a lot of strokes to help him do it.

Barry Cunningham: OTR: 2 | Tour Wins: 3 | Major Wins: 1

RyDov Appearances: 6 | Total Points: 11.0 (61%) | Singles Points: 4.0 (67%) | Greensomes Points: 7 (58%)

Reliable and seasoned, Cunningham brings one of the highest all-format win rates to the squad. Dangerous in both singles and Greensomes, he's a cornerstone pairing piece for any afternoon strategy.

Analysis: The elder Duncan has struggled in singles but gets a crucial 7-shot head start. Barry is polished but may struggle to chase.

Prediction: Duncan wins. The cushion proves just enough.
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Match 8: Allan Kinnear v Scott Gowens (10)

AllanKinnear: OTR: 31 | Tour Wins: 2 | Major Wins: 1

RyDov Appearances: 6 | Total Points: 15.5 (86%) | Singles Points: 3.5 (58%) | Greensomes Points: 12 (100%)

An unsung hero of the Cup, Kinnear quietly holds the best all-format record on either team. Rarely flashy — always effective.

Scott Gowens: OTR: 8 | Tour Wins: 3 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 1 | Total Points: 3.0 (100%) | Singles Points: 1.0 (100%) | Greensomes Points: 2 (100%)

Son of the captain, Scott has lived up to the name in his limited appearances. Whether he can maintain his spotless record with more responsibility remains to be seen.

Analysis: Experience brings youthfulness — Gowens Jr. brings fire but and is holds 10 strokes over Kinnear. In RyDov golf, that’s a mountain.

Prediction: Halved. Kinnear fights back but can’t overcome the handicap wall.
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Match 9: John Hedges (11) v Callum McNeill

John Hedges: OTR: 32 | Tour Wins: 1 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 9 | Total Points: 11.5 (43%) | Singles Points: 4.5 (50%) | Greensomes Points: 7 (39%)

A dogged competitor who often overachieves, Hedges is a dependable force in a team that thrives on cohesion and resilience.

Callum McNeill: OTR: 10 | Tour Wins: 1 | Major Wins: 1

RyDov Appearances: 3 | Total Points: 3.5 (39%) | Singles Points: 1.5 (50%) | Greensomes Points: 2 (33%)

McNeill’s record is still developing, but flashes of brilliance and a Major win show his ceiling is high. He will be looking to turn promise into points in this year's campaign.

Analysis: Hedges Jr. is steady and receives a big shot advantage. McNeill is more explosive but inconsistent.

Prediction: Hedges wins. Wily and wise, he holds off the younger man.
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Match 10: Stephen Hedges (5) v Joel Morrison


Stephen Hedges: OTR: 30 | Tour Wins: 1 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 9 | Total Points: 12.5 (46%) | Singles Points: 3.5 (39%) | Greensomes Points: 9 (50%)

The elder Hedges has carved his own path. Stronger in Greensomes, he remains a key utility player for Captain Allan.

Joel Morrison: OTR: 12 | Tour Wins: 0 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 1 | Total Points: 1.0 (33%) | Singles Points: 1.0 (100%) | Greensomes Points: 0 (0%)

A one-cap wonder so far, Morrison’s only appearance was an impressive singles win. This year will be the true test of whether he can sustain that level.

Analysis: A classic "new kid vs vet" match. Morrison impressed in his debut, but Hedges with 5 shots is hard to break down.

Prediction: Hedges wins. Steadies the ship early, closes late.
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Match 11: Andy Love v Stuart Sutherland (3)

Andy Love: OTR: 17 | Tour Wins: 3 | Major Wins: 2

RyDov Appearances: 8 | Total Points: 12.0 (50%) | Singles Points: 6.0 (75%) | Greensomes Points: 6 (38%)

A two-time Major winner and fierce singles competitor. Love’s afternoon form is streaky, but in singles he’s a safe bet.

Stuart Sutherland: OTR: 5 | Tour Wins: 3 | Major Wins: 1

RyDov Appearances: 10 | Total Points: 16.5 (55%) | Singles Points: 6.5 (65%) | Greensomes Points: 10 (50%)

The most experienced player on the squad, Sutherland is Vice Captain and a true RyDov Cup veteran. He thrives in pressure, particularly in the Greensomes format where his chemistry with partners has yielded consistent returns.

Analysis: Experience versus experience. Sutherland has the slight edge in this rivalry, and 3 strokes is helpful.

Prediction: Sutherland wins. One of the closest contests of the day.
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Match 12: Stuart Allan v Richard Mair (5)

Stuart Allan: OTR: 6 | Tour Wins: 3 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 7 | Total Points: 10.5 (50%) | Singles Points: 3.5 (50%) | Greensomes Points: 7 (50%)

The captain of Team Allan leads by example. Balanced across both formats, Allan’s role is to anchor and inspire, not necessarily dominate.

Richard Mair: OTR: 3 | Tour Wins: 4 | Major Wins: 0

RyDov Appearances: 3 | Total Points: 9.0 (100%) | Singles Points: 3.0 (100%) | Greensomes Points: 6 (100%)

The most efficient player in RyDov history — a perfect record across formats. Mair is unflappable and precise, making him one of the most feared matchplay opponents this year.

Analysis: Mair has been unplayable in singles. Allan has the leadership mantle, but Mair with five shots is simply too strong.

Prediction: Mair wins. Keeps the 100% record intact.
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Morning Session Prediction:
Team Allan 5.5 – 6.5 Team Gowens
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🌤️ Afternoon Greensomes Matches – Pairs, Pressure, and Precise Planning

Match 1: Malloch & McColgan v Connor & Sutherland (9)

Analysis: Despite McColgan’s firepower, 9 shots is a huge barrier, especially against Greensomes titan Sutherland (10 appearances, 10 foursome points).

Prediction: Team Gowens wins. The shot allowance and chemistry prove decisive.
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Match 2: Baxter & Brannan v P.Gowens & Mair (7)

Analysis: Mair has a 100% Greensomes record; Gowens is a Cup mastermind. Give them a 7 shot cushion, that duo is deadly.

Prediction: Team Gowens wins. They prove too cohesive.
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Match 3: Allan & Love (3) v D.Duncan & Peck

Analysis: Duncan is inconsistent in this format, but Peck is a monster in Greensomes (12 pts, 86%). Even with 3 shots, the Allan-Love duo could be undercooked.

Prediction: Team Gowens wins. Peck dominates the format.
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Match 4: John & Stephen Hedges (8) v McNeill & Morrison

Analysis: The father-son duo gets 8 strokes and knows each other's game. McNeill and Morrison are higher-ranked but less experienced.

Prediction: Team Allan wins. The Hedges link up beautifully.
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Match 5: Greenshields & Orr v Cunningham & S.Gowens (2)

Analysis: A close one. Cunningham is one of the best Greensomes players on the team (7 points). The
Gowens/Cunningham combo is dangerous.

Prediction: Team Gowens wins. They edge it late.
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Match 6: Alan Duncan & Allan Kinnear v Anderson & Robertson (3)

Analysis: Duncan and Kinnear have decent chemistry. Robertson is steady, and Anderson has struggled across formats.

Prediction: Team Allan wins. One of the few wins in the afternoon for them.

Afternoon Session Prediction: Team Allan 4 – 8 Team Gowens
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🔚 Final Prediction: Team Allan 9.5 – 14.5 Team Gowens

The numbers don’t lie — Gowens' side looks more cohesive in pairs and boasts dangerous individual matchplay operators like Mair, Sutherland, and Connor. Allan's team fights hard, but too many matches tilt on handicap shots and poor recent singles form.

As always with the RyDov Cup, expect drama, fireworks, and maybe a few family feuds over the 18th green. But when the dust settles, it’s Team Gowens who will likely lift the Cup.