May arrives, bringing with it "Major Month" on the EuroDov Tour.

And at the beautiful, but challenging, parkland course of Kirkcaldy Golf Club, Paul Gowens won his maiden Major championship, emerging victorious from the exclusive Invitational field.

Over 36 holes of tension and brilliance, Gowens carded an exceptional 140, finishing two strokes clear of rival Richard Mair. It was a victory that felt "great", especially given the "tough conditions" felt during the round, particularly on the final back nine.

This wasn't Gowens' first dance in Major contention; he'd finished second on multiple occasions. Reflecting on those near misses, he admitted that sometimes the thought could creep in – "at what point do you start thinking it’s just not going to happen for me?" But today, despite battling fatigue that left him "struggling and very tired" on holes like the 6th and later 11 through 12 in the final round, he kept pushing, grateful to have "David [McColgan] caddying for him in many ways". His game felt "steady," though he acknowledged missing "a few fairways and putts".

Gowens navigated the course with resilience. The 6th hole proved friendly, tackled with a 9-iron and then a PW in back-to-back rounds, a hole where the "short" distance, downhill approach, and perhaps the "height with the new irons helped". In the afternoon, a stiff 8-iron on the 7th for a tap-in putt offered a welcome boost, helping avoid higher numbers on the card.

But the shot that everyone was talking about came on the 15th in the final round – a crucial 5-wood struck from behind the trees. Commentators were buzzing, calling it "the shot what won it". Gowens himself described it as a combination of knowing "both my distance and my shape" from a "good lie in the first cut".

His goal was simple: "I just tried to hit it clean," and thankfully, the shot "faded well".

The victory was sealed on the final hole. Standing over the putt on the 18th, Gowens admitted he had "no idea of the score". But he "really fancied that putt", focusing on just giving it "enough, as I had missed a few short in the afternoon". The birdie on the final hole was a great way to finish and secure the win.

This triumph held profound personal significance. As many knew, the day marked exactly two years since Paul left the hospital after his cancer treatment. Winning the Invitational felt like a definite "full circle moment", allowing him to hopefully "close for good" that chapter. He was clear about the impact the EuroDov Tour community had on his journey, stating, "The Tour and all the guys have played a massive part in the recovery that’s for sure".

With this win, Gowens adds another significant title to an already impressive list, which includes a Major (now the Invitational), the Matchplay, an Order of Merit event, the Anstruther Plate, the Carnegie Cup, and captaining the RyDov Cup. Looking ahead, there's still "Loads!" left to achieve. In keeping with the Tour's spirit of "competitive golf and trips with the guys," he has his sights set on "three more Majors to be won" and the Anstruther Trophy, for example, plus the significant challenge of captaining the Carnegie Cup next year.

Paul Gowens' victory at Kirkcaldy was more than just a golf tournament win; it was a testament to resilience, skill, and the supportive community of the EuroDov Tour. The question of a "new dynasty" looms, but for now, Paul Gowens is the champion, a title that sounds "good," and one he "hopefully can be repeated".