That’s the second event of the season in the bag and the Kinghorn Classic didn’t disappoint. We had firm and fast fairways, super firm greens, enough weather to make it a challenge and a leaderboard that was up and down like an old-fashioned rollercoaster.

5 out of the top 6 players in the Order of Merit Standings held the lead at one point or another, but the man who was standing atop of both in the end was a familiar face in David McColgan.

We caught up with his three closest challengers in Paul Gowens, Richard Mair and Stevie Orr to get their views on proceedings out there.

Good evening gents - the second regular season event is in the bag, how did you find the course today?

Paul Gowens said, “The course was in great nick - greens very fast and a great competition from the entire field.”

Stevie Orr said, “The course was playing tough today with the windy conditions, which tends to be the norm at Kinghorn. As the course is relatively short, it makes you think whether to take the risk/reward shot or keep it in play.”

Richard Mair said, “No complaints with the course. Personally, I find Kinghorn is a challenging track where good shots are punished. That definitely proved to be the case today.”

What were your thoughts on the greens, they were probably some of the fastest we've played on all year and possibly the fastest we'll play on?

Orr said, “The greens were like lightening today. One incorrect stroke with the putter could have cost you dearly here.”

Gowens Snr. said, “Yes will see how the season goes Craigielaw hosting Open Qualifying could be quick in August.”

Mair said, “really tough. I don’t recall 3 putting as much as that in a long time. I’ve only played Kinghorn 3 times now, certainly need to up that before I get to grips with where to put the ball.”

The wind played a part of the story today (as ever) how did you find it out there?

Mair said, “I think I coped well with the wind this year. I wasn’t wildly out with my club selection. I found the hard fairways and greens much more or a problem.”

Gowens Snr. said, “tough into and across, great when with it.”

Orr said, “It made me re-think about what shot I was about to play next. Keep it in play or go for it. I felt like I handled the mixture of shots well today.”

How would you rate your game out there?

Orr said, “My front nine holes weren’t great, and then I picked it up on the back nine. Overall, I’m happy with how I played, just wish I had a better first few holes, and who knows, it could have been a different outcome.”

Gowens Snr. said, “Hit the ball and putted well, however two very poor holes on the back nine cost me, but came back well for a personal best round at Kinghorn even with a 9.”

Mair said, “6.5/10. A few holes where I should have done better. But coming away with a +1 finish is decent.”
After two events how would you say your season is looking?

Gowens Snr. said, “it’s going ok always one eye on avoiding relegation, but doing ok!”

Orr said, “I asked for consistency in results, and so far, anyway, that’s what I’ve got. It’s an improvement in my game that I’m really happy with.”

Mair said, “On track but work to be done.”

The Order of Merit swings inland now for the rest of the season, are you glad to see the back of links golf till August, or are you going to miss it?

Gowens Snr. said, “mixed feelings had 2 good days on the links but always looking forward to the next event.”

Mair said, “Parkland courses are definitely where I’m more comfortable so I’m glad we’re moving inland now. My experience with links golf is growing though, I don’t dislike it as I used to.”

Orr said, “I do like a links course. It’s just tough to have the first two events we play on Tour are on links courses. It’s a totally different style of game.”

The last 5 holes had it all, chip ins, out of bounds, birdies and eagles galore, how exciting a finish was it out there?

Gowens Snr said, “again shows to show the standard of golf on the Tour 4 shots separating top 6 places.”

Orr said, “To have played a part in that exciting finish made it all the better. It was great to see the top half of the leaderboard being so close.”

Mair said, “2/3 names were in the mix. Similar to the past few events. The field is deep with quality, I expect this to be a feature of the season.”

It felt a bit all too familiar with McColgan holing his par putt on 18 to seal the win, can he be dislodged from the top of the table in 2025?

Gowens Snr. said, “He is going to miss a few events but is so consistent, only time will tell lots of golf to go yet.”

Orr said, “It will be hard to dislodge him now given the start he has had. I know that he may not be playing all the events on Tour this year, but he’s in a good headspace right now.”

Mair said, “It’s all looking rather ominous, isn’t it?! I had hoped to give Dave a bit more or a run for his money, but my form hasn’t been good enough. Dave looks like he’s started strong quickly on Tour, if he can maintain it then 2nd is the best the other boys can aim for unfortunately.”

Thanks to the guys for giving us time and chatting after the Kinghorn Classic. We’ll be back at the MCM @ Pitffirane for the behind the scenes take on the day’s proceedings. Join us on May 18th for the third event of the 2025 Order of Merit.