It’s May and that can only mean one thing – Major time!

Returning on the first Sunday of May is the Invitational Tournament. The event, only in its second year produced a nail-biting spectacle that saw Andy Love walk away the winner, lifting back-to-back Majors.

The 2023 edition of the Tournament has loads of exciting story lines and we’re going to take a look at the field and their chances of lifting the seasons second Major but before we get into let’s take a look at how they got here and what it’s all about.

The Invitational will return to Tulliallan Golf Club in Kincardine. Tulliallan offers a challenging test of golf, requiring accurate shots in order to score well. Renowned for its true greens Tulliallan Golf Course is an outstanding par 69 course. The tree lined fairways and burn which meanders through most of the course present a challenge to test all levels of ability.

The Invitational will be competed for over 36 holes with full handicap allowance with the winner lifting the second major of the season and writing their names into the Tour’s history books.

The field comprises of 8 players, plus invitations. The first 8 players qualifying for the tournament come from the Montgomery Cup field. The final Major of the season, traditionally held in September doubles up as a qualifier for the Invitational Tournament. The top 8 players automatically qualify, and in 2023 that field is made up of Graeme Connor, Stuart Allan, Barry Cunningham, Richard Mair, David McColgan, Kieran Lynch and Callum McNeill. Invitations are extended by virtue of the Tour and in 2023 Andy Love was given a 2-year exemption following his win in 2022 and following the withdrawal of the Montgomery Cup winner Allan Kinnear, Kevin Brannan – the 2023 EuroDov Cup winner – was extended an invite to play in the event.

So, let’s take a look at the players and their chances of getting their hands on the silverware in 2023.

Andy Love
Odds: 9/2
Notes: Many onlookers might be surprised at this given Love’s one appearance in the 2023 season so far. However, Love is the defending champion, he came from behind on the final round to win it and therefore has good memories of Tulliallan.

Also, the St Andrews Open showed how deadly love can be, carding a 9-under par round through 15 holes – and despite the collapse at the end – is no mean feat around the Eden. Love’s game is in a good place and he’s always up for the Majors.

David McColgan
Odds: 5/1
Notes: McColgan hasn’t won in 2023, and that has to be worrying for a player who lifted no less than 6 trophies in 2022. His defence of the St Andrews Open and Kinghorn Classic failed and he’ll be focussed more than usual.

We can’t forget this is the missing piece of McColgan’s Grand Slam jigsaw, he has won the Montgomery Cup, EuroDov Cup and James Braid Quaich with the Invitational Tournament the only one he needs.

Stuart Allan & Graeme Connor
Odds: 7/1
Notes: There’s a Major not too far away for both of these players. Allan’s last Tour victory was April 2021, and his game is too good to wait that long for another win. A win at Tulliallan won’t surprise anyway and it might just be the landslide to an epic season.

Graeme is the perennial bridesmaid of Majors, with 3 runner-up finishes in 3 years, it’s only a matter of time for him to get over the line and there is absolutely no reason it can’t by in 2023.

Barry Cunningham & Kevin Brannan
Odds: 8/1
Notes: Putting the season’s first Major winner down here looks harsh. Despite Brannan’s brilliant golf in Cascais, he has failed to replicate it at home. He’ll come into the Invitational smarting after some poor golf around Kinghorn and no one would be surprised to see him lift the cup.

Cunningham makes his second appearance at the Invitational and will quickly want to wipe his 7th place finish in 2022 from the record books. Many onlookers will point out that Cunningham’s 10 year wait for a win is ridiculous as he has the game and the mentality to get over the line. Could a second Major be on the horizon?

Kieran Lynch & Callum McNeill
Odds: 9/1
Notes: It’s always harsh to see your name at the bottom of these lists but it doesn’t mean there is no chance. Both of these players are here on merit and qualified outright following good performances in September.
Lynch is a streaky player and when he’s driving the ball well can often put a good score together. With the tight tree lined fairways at Tulliallan, good driving is a premium.

Callum McNeill is also a player who can put in a good round. His challenge might be putting two good rounds back-to-back to compete, but he’s not out of the competition yet.

Well, there we have it folks, EuroDov Reporters predictions for the 2022 Invitational Tournament. We’ll be there on Sunday 7th May to bring you all the insight, analysis and news from the course.