As the blockbuster 2023 season rolled into Aberdour, so too did the From the Locker Room team. We all love a trip down to the Fife riviera, paddling in the Forth and good golf, what else can we ask for?

How about a blockbuster tournament that comes down to the final putt, on the 18th green! We had it all this week on Tour, eagles, birdies, a lead that changed more times than Elizabeth Taylor changed husbands. But in the end, it was another first-time winner, and Rookie of the Year hopefully, Richard Mair who won on a 9-hole countback.

It was the cruellest of losses for Barry Cunningham, who last won on Tour in 2013, as he hit 5-under par after 10 holes and parred his way home to lose to Mair who had an eagle and birdie in his last three holes.

Mair’s victory meant a first visit to the Locker Room and a first winners’ interview. Congratulations on your win today - how does it feel to get your first ever win on the EuroDov Tour?

“’m really chuffed. I always wondered at the start of the season if I would be able to get a win on the Tour and doing it quite quickly has made me a happy lad.”

Well, you've managed to win in only your 3rd appearance - do you feel like it frees you up for the rest of the season ahead?

“Definitely. It feels like I’ve got a bit of a free hit now at the rest of the tournaments.”

Let's take a closer look at today - You were 2-over thru 4, a notoriously tricky part of the course, how did you feel your day was going at that point?

“I started quite poorly on the first par 3. The second par 3 over the water steadied me a bit but I went backwards again at the 3rd as my driver was poor.

At that point I felt like I couldn’t really do much worse and my striking hadn’t been that bad, so I thought I’d start getting some opportunities.”

After 4 you never really looked back, carding 4 birdies and a par on the way to a 2-under par front 9. You must have thought you were on to a good round then?

“Yeah, my golf really clicked into place. The few silly shots (and maybe nerves) kind of faded away. I just tried to play fairly consistent and nothing too aggressive.”

You navigated the very tough horseshoe of 10 thru 12 at 2-under par, what were your thoughts as you walked to 13?

“I felt like I had navigated the hardest part of the course. The 11th in particular is always a real challenge. In my head I just wanted to get through 13 unscathed as I knew the course shortened up from there.”

You parred your way to the 17th tee where you were tied with the clubhouse leader at 5-under, what goes through your mind with two holes to play and a chance to win?

“So, I never actually knew I was that close to the lead!

I knew I was putting in a decent card but had only had an update after the front 9 where there were a few strong scores in. I was happy not to know at that point and Kev did a good job of not giving too much away.

But I kind of knew on the 16th green that I was in contention judging by some of the other boys. The nerves then started a bit.”

Talk us through the 17th hole? What happened there? What do you start to think on the 18th tee?

“I was a bit annoyed on 17 as I knew it was my last driver of the day and I didn’t hit a very good one.

I still managed to get up to the green but then made a horror putt. Not my best!

At this point Kev told me the state of play so I knew I had to get something on the 18th. At that point I was just hoping for a good tee shot.”

After your tee shot on 18 you had 2 shots for the win - how did you feel when you sunk the winning putt?

“The final group made sure I knew I had 2 putts for the win so I was aware of what I needed to do.

Similar to the 17th my first putt could have been a lot better, and I gave myself quite a lengthy second.

Bizarrely at that point I didn’t really feel any pressure. I saw the line of the putt really clearly and knew I just had to hit it. Thankfully it went in.”

Your win today saw Barry Cunningham finish second and his 10 year wait for his second ever Tour win continues - do you have anything to say to Barry?

“There wasn’t anything between us today. I played with Barry last week and really enjoyed the round. He’s been in and around the top of the leaderboard a few times now and I think it won’t be long before he gets another win.”

You now sit 3rd in the season long standings - what is needed to push on as the season progresses?
“I want to bring this form into the remaining tournaments.

I hadn’t put in a great round until today and this felt more like it. I think it’s going to be consistency that’s key - there’s a few players doing really well.”

Your win today sees you break in to the OTR Top 10 - that must be a proud moment?

“Yeah, I never imagined breaking into the top 10 so quickly. I’m happy to be there, the tough thing will be staying there or climbing the ladder.”

The fact you are a co-sanctioned SanWedge Tour player was not lost on the galleries today, what psychological edge does it give your guys heading into the Carnegie Cup next week?

“We’ve likened ourselves to the LIV tour a bit. Definitely feels like it’s adding to the tension and the competitive atmosphere we’ll go into next week.

Getting this win might give us a bit of a boost. It could also give the EuroTour players incentive too though!”
Well congratulation s on your first win and all the best for the Carnegie Cup on Sunday.

Mair has been putting in good performances since making the jump from the SandWedge Tour to the EuroDov Tour and he’s shown the others it can be done. A brilliant performance that many of the players on Tour will not begrudge him and with the rest of the season ahead, and the monkey off the back, the possibilities are limitless.

We’ll be back following the Carnegie Cup on Sunday 28th May as the EuroDov Tour take on the SandWedge Tour for the first time ever at Burntisland Golf House Club.