It was great to tread the famous fairways of the Invitational Tournament this last weekend. The field was stacked with 16 Majors, 17 Order of Merit wins and 11 other wins on the EuroDov Tour amongst just a 9-man field.

We had the privilege of watching some fantastic golf and following the tense finish right to the very last putt. Right up to the 36th hole it looked like it could be a new Major winner on Tour, but after a devastating 36th hole from Richard Mair, David McColgan was waiting to lift his 11th Major and complete the historic grand slam.

We caught up with a few players from the field to hear their thoughts on the tournament, the action and the result.

Welcome gents, that’s the second Major of the year in the can, how did you find it out there?

Richard Mair, who was vying for his first ever Major, right up to the 36th hole said, “it felt good to play in my first Major this season. Bittersweet for me as I didn’t quite manage to get over the line.”

Stuart Allan, who was also in contentious for his first Major as the afternoon rounds teed off said, “I really enjoyed it - good course, golfing weather, good company and played generally well. A good day was had.”

Callum McNeill, winner of the Montgomery Cup in 20223 said, “it’s a course I enjoy playing and the smaller field really gives you a shot at contending.”

The course was presented in fantastic condition, what were your thoughts on the course?

McNeill continued, “I thought it looked fantastic from a distance but seemed to find loads of wee bare patches and divots in the fairways.”

Allan said, “I enjoy Tulliallan, it has a mix of holes that require different shots, some more open that you can go for and some you need to reign it back and play sensible golf. A perfect venue for The Invitational.”

Mair said, “I enjoyed the course. It was in good condition, but I would have liked the greens to have been a wee bit better.”

How did you think you played over the 36 holes?

Mair said, “I was below average first round but managed to keep in touching distance. I played well in the afternoon until the 18th hole…”

McNeill said, “I’m a bit annoyed with myself if I am honest, I think I left at 5 or 6 simple shots out there.”

Allan reflected, “I was generally happy with my game overall - the morning round was more in line with recent form and my iron play and putting excelled. If my driver had been well behaved, I would have been close, but it was a battle at times. Overall, I have no complaints and know my areas to improve.”

The Invitational has a habit of throwing up excitement year on year, what did you think about the finish in 2024?

Richard Mair, who was in the thick of it right to the end said, “it was tense. There were a few swings in the final round with a few different leaders. Makes it fun (nerve wracking) to play in.”

Stuart Allan said, “again it could have finished several ways and the EuroDov Tour keeps providing drama. I’m sure we’ll see a lot more in the remaining season.”

McNeill said, “Mair’s collapse on 18 was painful to watch. From the delight at finding his ball, to the depths of despair as he hit his third shot into yet more trees.”

McColgan won the Invitational by 3 strokes in the end, after the third time of asking he's won the career Grand Slam - how would you describe the achievement?

Richard Mair said, “only just completed the slam now? All jokes aside a great achievement and congratulations to Dave. Rory take note!”

McNeill said, “it’s been a long time coming. We’ll simply need to invent a 5th major and not invite him each year.”

Allan said, “being clearly the best player statistically is one thing, having to do it time and again is another and Dave deserves all the credit due. The challenge sits with the rest of the field.”

There's been a lot of chatter he might never do it - did you ever doubt him?

Allan said, “I think it was a matter of time, he is too good not to. Pressure going into today. Well done Dave
Mair agreed, “nah, it was inevitable. He’s got all of the infinity stones now so watch out.”

McNeill said. “like Thanos, he is inevitable.”

Richard Mair came close to winning his maiden Major but was just 1 hole short of achieving - what words to you have for him?

Stuart Allan said, “Rich is a solid player and will do well on tour. No sympathy though, and I’m sure Rich doesn’t want any. You get what you deserve in the end and Rich will no doubt be in the hunt for Mair Mair Mair!!”

McNeill said, “he’ll win one soon, he’s never far away and with his questionably high handicap wouldn’t rule him out of winning the Monty in September.”

Richard Mair reflected that, “I can’t lie I was gutted to lose it on the 18th. But I’ve not got anybody to blame but myself. Hopefully I’ll have the chance to be in contention in the final majors this year. Chin up and we try again.”

McColgan now holds the EuroDov Cup and the Invitational Tournament, do you think he go on and win the OoM and Montgomery Cup to hold all 4 Majors in 1 season?

Richard Mair quipped, “we’ll do our best to try and stop him, but he’s probably the favourite at the moment.”

Allan said, “he is clear favourite for the OOM and it would be a brave man to bet against it. The Montgomery Cup however comes down to individual performance on the day…no doubt he will be in the running.”

McNeill said, “he’s got a tough chase against Stuart Sutherland for the OoM, and the Monty won’t be an easy one. It’s a big field and anything can happen when you throw the match play element in.”

Now you've competed in the Invitational, how much will you be pushing to qualify for 2025?

Richard Mair said, “I need to push on to try and get there again next year. I need to have a shot to exorcise the demons!”

Stuart Allan said, “it’s a tournament I really enjoy and would love to qualify again. If I keep my upward trajectory, I have a good chance and can join the deserving qualifiers and exemption hangers on next year.”

Callum McNeill said, “it’s an event I really enjoy and feel like I’ve contended in 2 years on the trot. It’ll definitely help more in the back of my mind during round 1 of the RyDov.”

Well there we have it guys, that wraps up out coverage of the 2024 Invitational tournament, we’ll be back on May 19th for the MCM @ Pitffirane and remember to join us for the 2024 RyDov Cup and Montgomery Cup where we’ll find out who is in the field for 2025 Invitational Tournament.