The 2025 King’s Cup will be remembered not just for its thrilling count-back finish, but for the tapestry of player narratives that wove through the field at Canmore Golf Club. From a brotherly duel under pressure to a late-season surge in the Order of Merit race, the post-round reflections reveal a field full of admiration, frustration, and determination. As the sun set over one of Scotland’s quirkiest and most challenging tracks, the voices of the players told a compelling story of what unfolded.
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The Purple Patch: Alan Duncan's Triumphant July

Alan Duncan’s run of form has been nothing short of phenomenal. Three trophies in one month — the Senior Championship, the Bruce Shield, and now the King’s Cup — has established him as one of the most in-form players on Tour.

"Alan is in great form at the moment," said Scott Gowens. "His game seems to be in a good place and it all seems to be coming together at the right time."

Paul Gowens agreed, stating, "It’s only been a matter of time until he got it to click and get some consistency."

Even Order of Merit leader David McColgan tipped his cap: "For most of us who have been on Tour for a while, we know what Alan can do. He’s just showing everyone else, and himself for that matter, what he’s capable of."

Alan's brother Denis offered a typically brotherly assessment: "Bandit!! He has the potential when he gets off the tee — and leaving his driver in the car worked."
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A Family Affair: Denis vs Alan Down the Stretch

Few storylines grip a tournament quite like a sibling rivalry at the summit of the leaderboard. The final holes at Canmore saw Alan and Denis Duncan locked in an arm wrestle for the crown, and players took notice.

"They are both having a great season and really found their game," said Stuart Allan. "Two very different approaches but great to see both doing well."

"Brother v brother, right down to the final putt," said McColgan. "Brilliant storyline and just adds fuel to the competition."

"It was emotional. A real Disney moment — if Disney made gritty Scottish sports dramas where the lead character wears plum-coloured chinos. They went at it like brothers in arms, but Alan walked away with the trophy and Denis walked away wondering why he ever bought him his first set of clubs." Said Daniel Peck.


Denis, ever the straight shooter, didn’t hide his emotions. "Obviously losing on the countback. Gutted."
Paul Gowens was quick to add some humour: "Yes both playing out their skin this season. Den will be next."
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Amen Corner: Canmore's Cruel Midsection

Holes 10 to 13 — dubbed Canmore’s Amen Corner — again played a pivotal role in deciding the King’s Cup. Players shared a mix of fear, strategy, and scars from this infamous stretch.

Daniel Peck, as colourful as ever said, "Mentally? With fear. Strategically? With prayer. It’s called Amen Corner for a reason."

"It’s definitely a daunting stretch," said Scott Gowens. "Level par round there is great scoring. That was the aim today."

Stuart Allan took a statistical approach: "I generally try to go avg +1 for each hole and that’s what happened. I did manage to par the 13th which will always gain strokes on the field."

David McColgan, always candid, painted a vivid picture: "I was 2-under walking on to the 10th tee... by the time I stepped on to the 14th tee I felt like I had gone 10 rounds with Tyson. The course beat me up today."

Denis Duncan blamed the conditions: "I was on a good run until the 11th. Pulled my drive right, and being wet under foot caused me to slip on my second shot into the left danger. You could say this cost me."

Paul Gowens simply sighed: "Almost managed to get through with level 5s... but a disappointing 7 on 13."
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The Tight Finish: Countback Adds Drama

As the round closed, tension built with every shot. Another event decided by countback was a reflection of how close the margins are on the EuroDov Tour.

"It’s always nice when it’s close at the top and the drama goes down to the final hole," said Scott Gowens.

"Just falling short was hard to take," admitted Denis. "The three-putt on the 16th, my only one of the day, cost me."

Paul Gowens, a veteran of many tight finishes, said: "If you’re under par, you’re in it. There’s always a couple of rounds each season that go to countback."

McColgan summed it up well: "Another count-back, another close tournament. It’s just testament to the players and their growing determination to get silverware."
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Peck Rising: A New Challenger Emerges

Daniel Peck's climb to third in the Order of Merit hasn’t gone unnoticed.

"Peck has had a great season," said Scott Gowens. "If he keeps up this form, anything could happen."

Paul Gowens echoed the sentiment: "Yes, he could be. Great outings at Brora and the Championship show how good he is."

McColgan, the man with the target on his back, added: "Peck is quickly becoming the man to beat... to the point folk are forgetting about Richard Mair."

Peck himself said, "⁠Look, I don’t want to say I’m peaking, but I’ve started Googling “how to drink champagne out of a Quaich.” McColgan better start checking his rear-view mirror."
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Assessing the Season: Some Regret, Some Resurgence

With just two events remaining, players reflected on where they stand.

"I’m disappointed," admitted Scott Gowens. "Maybe I had too high expectations. Not happy with how I’ve played in the OOM events."

Paul Gowens was candid: "A tale of two golfers — some good, some bad. Must do better."

Denis Duncan, climbing the table, was more upbeat: "From a poor start to the season, something has clicked. I’m playing my best golf."

Stuart Allan, sitting 4th, showed quiet confidence: "I feel I’m just coming out the end of a slump. Swing changes are now bed in. Hoping for a strong finish."

McColgan, still leading the way, was all business: "Two wins from five events, never outside the top five. I’m hitting it well — no complaints here."
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Looking Ahead: Craigielaw and Beyond

The final two events of the season loom large. Players are keenly aware of what's at stake.

"Missing one of the final two events is not ideal," said Scott Gowens. "I hope I can put in a performance at Craigielaw and climb a few places."

Stuart Allan was more optimistic: "I have the game to perform at Craigielaw and have won there before. Confident of a strong end."

"I wasn’t supposed to play today," said McColgan, "but 800 more points helps. I’ve won at both Lochgelly and Craigielaw. I can do it again."
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Praise for Canmore: A Course That Asked the Right Questions

Despite its quirks and challenges, players were unanimous in praise for Canmore Golf Club.

Daniel peck said, "It was absolutely pristine. So pristine, I felt guilty digging up a few fairways. Hats off to the greenkeepers — even my divots looked good lying on that turf."

"Immaculate condition," said Scott Gowens. "Tricky pins and greens running true."

"Best condition I’ve played it," added Paul Gowens.

"It was good all round," said Denis. "Just that one wet patch on 11 that hindered me."

Stuart Allan was effusive: "I like Canmore — quirky holes, not very long but plenty of challenge. Greens in particular were fantastic."

McColgan, summing up the mood, said: "Possibly the best we’ve seen Canmore. Beautifully presented. Can’t wait to go back in 2026."
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Final Thoughts

The 2025 King’s Cup wasn’t just a tournament — it was a mirror reflecting the ambitions, frustrations, and brilliance of the EuroDov Tour. Alan Duncan took home the trophy, but every player walked off Canmore’s 18th with a story worth telling.

As the season nears its conclusion, the questions loom large: Can McColgan be caught? Will Peck, Allan, or Denis Duncan rise further? And will Alan Duncan’s purple patch roll into something historic?
One thing is certain: the King’s Cup gave us the drama. Now the final act awaits.