Welcome to our first Players’ reaction of 2023. The EuroDov Cup is in the can and Kevin Brannan is the man of the moment. His second win on Tour and his first Major. He joins an elite group of players on both accounts as the only the 5th player ever to win multiple Tour events and the 7th to lift a Major.

The FTLR team were out in Portugal, following the players and getting their thoughts and analysis – in between a bit of sunbathing.

So, let’s dive right in to hear from the players and find out how they enjoyed the 2023 EuroDov Cup.

We caught up with eventual 5th place finisher Denis Duncan who said, “I love this event, The format with 3 different courses is good, much preferable than playing the same courses. I had a great time just wish I wasn't so ill at the start.”

Stuart Allan, an early favourite said, “it was actually my first ever event abroad and I loved it - sun, beers, golf and good company. Can’t beat it.”

With the focus on off-course activities maybe it explains his 7th place finish.

Stephen Greens aid, “I loved it, great event, the three courses offered up very different challenges. Weather was on our side as well.”

Another player on his maiden continental trip, and eventual winner, Kevin Brannan said, “It was a fantastic experience. A brilliant 3 days of golf, sun and great company. It’s the people who make it and the guys are all a top bunch. A thanks to the Tour for the organisation as it wouldn't happen without them.”

For the first time the Tournament was played of 3 different courses, how did you enjoy the format?

Stuart Allan said, “3 different courses all provided a different challenge. Although 3 stroke play rounds is the purest form of the game it can be tough to retain consistency, as I found out! It was great it was such a tight finish at the top.”

David McColgan, eventual 3rd place finisher said, “it’s the first year the Tour has played it over three different set-ups. The record shows my rounds improve with familiarity of the course and that wasn’t possible this time round.

However saying that – it was a great challenge, different courses requiring different approaches, a real thinking golfer’s competition.”

Stevie Orr, playing his first EuroDov Cup, said, “the format was really good I thought. Three different courses which produced their own challenges. Just wished I didn’t have that horror show on the third round.”

Stephen Green said, “I think it great format, keeps you on your toes and also gives you the opportunity to sample some of the great courses in the area.”

Brannan was in agreement with the rest of the field regarding the format, “it's great to play and experience different courses. You get to test yourself on different layouts and challenges. It also keeps it fresh playing a new course each day. It's a winning format in my opinion.”

The field played Estoril, Penha Longa and Quinta da Marinha and there was no mistaken the best one in the opinion of the players.

Stuart Allan started the rallying call with, “Penha Longa, by some distance. It’s actually in the debate for my favourite course I have ever played. So many signature holes and the course condition was immaculate.”

McColgan agreed, “it’s hard to look past Penha Longa. It had so many August-like vibes with lush green fairways and white sand. The elevation gains and iconic tee shots.

I was glad the guys got to experience Quinta da Marinha, and it’s strategic challenges, but Penha Longa is up there as one of my favourite courses ever.”

Stephen Green agreed saying, “without doubt it was Penha Longa, such a stunning course. Didn’t play my best that day but the course is up there in my top 3 of all time.”

Brannan echoed McColgan with a special mention of Quinta da Marinha, “for how the course was presented and how it played, I have to say Penha Longa. It was a cracking course in the best of conditions. Each hole was a signature. Although I have to say QDM was also a fantastic challenge.”

It wasn’t just the course that caught Stevie Orr’s eyes at Penha Longa, “it has to be Penha Longa for me. The setting and those wee lawnmowers were just part of it. My tee shot on the 17th par three made it worth the while.”

It’s true what they say, it only takes one shot to bring you back.

There were multiple leaders throughout the 54 hole competition what does that say about the level of competition?

Denis Duncan said, “it certainly points out some good and bad consistencies amongst the field. I think the fact that we had 3 different courses with different players playing better on different courses helped this.”

Stuart Allan who held the lead after 9 and 18 holes said, “with the varying handicaps it definitely levelled it out and it showed with several leaders that we all had good/bad periods of play. It was a great group to play with each day and as well as the golf, it was a really enjoyable 3 rounds.”

Stephen Green said, “the field had a large spread of handicaps so just go to show that everyone was playing well and was trying to win!”

The 27 hole leader agreed saying, “the level of competition is really good and it’s shows that anyone on their day could possibly win. Even I was leading at one point which tells you something.”

Brannan went even further to question the end of history saying, “I think we all know the competition gets stronger every year with new additions to the Tour and existing players also improving. The days of wire-to-wire winners may be gone...”

The tournament had a three-way lead with 6 holes to go - that’s got to be exciting for the tour right?

McColgan, one of the leaders, said, “I am sure if you are watching yeah, but not if you’re in the thick of it.
But all seriousness, it’s great for the Cup and the Tour and it’s a testament to the Tour’s ever improving membership.”

Duncan agreed saying, “you always want it to be competitive than someone running away with it.”

Stuart Allan agreed saying, “considering it’s over 54 holes and varying abilities, it’s great to go down to the wire. I’m sure if it had tv coverage it would have been a great watch!”

Orr echoed everyone else saying, “of course! It was great to see a tight competition over the course of the three rounds and that nobody ran away with it all.”

Kevin Brannan won the first major of the season and his first major ever - how good was it to see a new major winner?

Denis Duncan led the support saying, “really happy for Kev. Especially with being pipped last year. Always good to see new winners.”

Stuart Allan also said, “playing with Kev in the final round you can see why he won - consistent ball striking, minimal mistakes and when he did make a mistake he recovered well. Being at a similar level myself, a lot to learn from Kev on how to get across the line. Very good winner too!!”

Stephen Green said, “fantastic to see Kev finally get there, after being so close last year he’s a well-deserved winner.”

David McColgan said, “after last year’s final hole it was great to see Kevin get over the line. I think for many it was a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ and that has got to come with significant pressure. So, all in all, delighted to see him get his hands on a Major.”

So that’s a run down of thought son and around the tournament, but what about the players thoughts on how they played over the 3 days?

Stuart Allan, who started the tournament as second favourite, and finished in a disappointing 7th said, “I haven’t had a lot of practice over winter, so I didn’t go in with a lot of confidence to win. My target was to be in contention going into the final round, which I was but not unexpected not to win. Really excited for the start of the season - it’s a long winter but keen to get back out ASAP and get the practice in to improve. The Tour this year will be bigger and better…can’t wait!!"

Stevie Orr, a EuroDov Reporter 8/1 chance, who finished 6th said, “I thought I played very well over the first two rounds, putting myself in a decent position come round three, which unfortunately, was a horror show. It’s great that the season is up and running, and hopefully I get into the swing of things.”

A fellow 8/1 outside Denis Duncan who finished 5th said, “Mixed bag with my golf, some good play but had moments in my round where my golf deserted me. I have a better idea what are I need to get lessons now.”

Stephen Green who came in on his prediction of 4th said, “my last 9 on the final day were a standout, the rest was up and down. Considering the quality of the courses I’m taking a lot of positives away from the weekend.”

Bookies favourite and multiple Major winner David McColgan who finished 3rd said, “it’s hard to grumble at third place in a Major but the truth is my golf was no where near the standard I’ve come to expect. It was hard to compete when you were battling your swing both left and right and even when you were getting it in play the short game was appalling at best.

The tournament was a wake-up call for 2023 at best.”

And we’ll give the final word to the bookies second favourite player, who battled his way to 1st in a magnificent display of 54-hole competition golf, Kevin Brannan, “I was ropey on day 1 with lots of shots left out there with putts and my short game. Day 2 & 3 I found a solid swing and tightened up in from 100 yards.
That was the difference in my scoring. This will be exactly my thoughts to take into the season opener in St Andrews.”

Well there we have it guys, the FTLR team are ready to get back home and get off their diet of ham and cheese toasted sandwiches and pints of Super Bock and look forward to the glorious drive up to the Eden estuary and the Home of Golf St Andrews.

Stay tuned for insight, analysis, and gossip from inside the Tour.