EuroDov Reporter has poured over the stats, the form sheets and consulted their crystal ball and if they are right, we’re in for a real battle for the RyDov Cup.

After analysing all 12 singles matchups they have it poised at 6-6, with Team Gowens winning the final match – important because the team that wins that match has gone on to win the cup 67% of the time.

In the morning singles there is a point available for each match – 12 in total – and in the afternoon the Greensomes offers 2 points per match – meaning a further 12 points are available.

At this point it is worth remembering that Team Love require 14 points to retain the trophy, but Team Gowens require 14.5 points to win it.

Let’s unleash EuroDov Reporter on the stat books for one more time and see what they have to say on the 6 Greensomes matches and where the RyDov Cup will be headed after the close of play.

Match 6 is the final match on the course, and it features John Hedges & Stephen Hedges v Paul Gowens and Joel Morrison.

In the history of the Cup, the winning side has been decided by the final game 6 out of the 9 times it has been played, so it cannot be underestimated.

If EuroDov Reporters prediction is right to this point Team Love has at least retained the Cup, but half in this match will see them pass the 12.5 points need to win the cup. Let’s look at the match.

Hedges Snr. and Hedges Jnr. head into this match with 16 appearances between them. They boast a 44%- and 31%-win rate respectively. This pairing is not unfamiliar either, playing their first match together in 2016 and recording a 2&1 victory that stopped Team Dov winning outright that year.

They played together a further 3 times, only gaining a half in the process.

Paul Gowens returns for his 3rd RyDov Cup in 2024 and partners RyDov rookie Joel Morrison. Gowens boasts a 50%-win rate in his two appearances, and he’ll be hoping to build on that in 2024.

The father and son combo of Hedges & Hedges will benefit from a 2-stroke advantage over the 18 holes and whilst they are comfortable with each other’s game they’ll need to be on top form to topple Gowens/Morrison.

Morrison may be making his debut but he’s a very steady player for Gowens to bounce off and the with both players from the school of fairways and greens, they could find themselves with plenty of options off the tee.

This call certainly feels like I do want to favour one team over another, but I see this match going in favour of Team Gowens and the 10th RyDov Cup ending in a draw, with Team Love retaining the Cup.

Team Love 12 – 12 Team Gowens