The EuroDov Tour rolled into Slaley Hall on Friday morning and the EuroDov Cup was back on the Tour’s schedule for the first time in over two years. The break in play, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, resulted in the largest field in the history of the tournament with eight players competing over for the cup over 54 holes of stroke play golf.

Defending champion Greig Baxter did not make the trip in 2021 so it was a chance for the field to stake their claim for the trophy. The field consisted of four EuroDov rookies, three players returning for the first time since 2018 and 2018 Open de La Manga winner David McColgan, making his third appearance in the Cup.

As always, the From the Locker Room team were on hand to chat with the players and get their reactions to a weekend of golf.

We caught up with Stephen Green, returning for his first cup since 2018, he said that “the bigger field was an enhancement to the event. Resulted in a lot of different scenarios across the weekend throughout the field. Everyone was playing for something on the last day.”

Denis Duncan, who finished 2nd in 2018, said “having a field of 8 Players was good, it resulted in two days of competitive golf building to a grand finale where everyone you were playing with was fighting you for position.”

Andy Love, another 2018 returner, said “The quality of the venue made up for the poor weather conditions and the excellent organisation of the event made it a totally hassle-free tournament. An overwhelming success, enjoyed by everyone.”

Jim Robertson, a EuroDov rookie, said “It was a great event, thoroughly enjoyable, but the 54 holes certainly takes it out of you.”

2021 is the first time the tour has remained in the UK for the EuroDov Cup, previous destinations include La Manga, Spain, and Cascais, Portugal, so how did the field find the UK location; winner David McColgan said, “It was strange staying in the UK, and we certainly got a good British summer with rain, wind and sunshine over the three days. The venue was spectacular, courses were great and I think that enhanced the competition greatly.”

Green, commented that, “Can’t fault the golf courses, they were in great condition and the practice areas were also very good. Would happily see the Tour come here again.”

Denis Duncan said, “Slaley hall was an impressive set up with good practice areas nice relaxing building and good rooms real value for money and great views while playing golf.”

Slaley Hall is home to the Hunting and the Priestman courses. The EuroDov Cup utilised both courses playing the Hunting on the Friday and the Priestman Saturday and Sunday. But what did the players think of the courses?

Andy Love said, “Both had a number of excellent, ‘signature’ holes. The Hunting was challenging without being punishing, the Priestman was challenging and highly punishing. Over the piece, I played a lot of good holes, and would say 3-4 horror holes per round ruined my score. Given I was leading convincingly for large parts of the first day, I’d pick the Hunting as my favourite.”

Robertson said, “Both courses were really good. The Priestman was more scenic than Hunting but the semi rough was very brutal on a lot of the holes.”

Green said, “Courses were both great and the setting was beautiful. I thought the Hunting was more interesting to play and the Priestmen was a bit too Americanised for my liking but I’m really splitting hairs as they were both outstanding.”

McColgan commented that, “both courses were great, they were in fantastic condition, and they were just a dream to play on. Each course presented a different challenge; the Hunting was very strategic – it was a second shot course and you had to be in the right place to take advantage. The Priestman was a different beast entirely, more water in play and the rough was brutal.”

Duncan struggled to separate the two courses saying, “we had the chance to play two great courses and not sure I had a favourite, after day one playing the Hunting and the chat that the Priestman was tougher I was expecting a much worse course but was surprised it was equally as good although a slog to walk that back 9. On both the courses the greens ran very well.”

Of course in competition play there can only be one winner but how did they players feel they faired over the 54 holes.

Jim Robertson said, “I enjoyed all 3 rounds ,driving was so so, chipping either really good or rubbish , putting was probably my best. I was happy where I finished in the field, as long as I beat Andy that’s all that mattered really!”

Andy Love said, “I was disappointed not to make the top 4 on the final day after my day one showing. I started really well and was happy with where I ended up. The Players’ dinner on Friday night didn’t help me kick on during Saturdays round, which was definitely the worst of my 3 rounds.

Given there were 2 times on the Sunday I got a good leap in to the top 4, I have to say I’m a little disappointed to have not ousted Jim from that slot. But the scorecards don’t lie and I think the final standings were a fair reflection of the performances over the weekend.”

Stephen Green said, “The two courses are a higher standard than I’m used to so was a bit daunting at first but after a few holes I got into the swing of things. My first round was all about enjoying the setting and having a catch up with the other players. The second round was a bit of a mess as I was recovering from The Players’ dinner the previous night. It wasn’t till the back 9 on Sunday that things clicked together, I had a run of 4/5 holes where everything was coming together tee to green. Some of the best golf I have played all season. Unfortunately, I had a few messy holes coming in that scuppered my chances of moving up the leader board. All in I’m looking back at the event in a really positive light and gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.”

Duncan said, “I feel I played ok I still have issues with bad shots from time to time and I had too many on the last day for my liking, especially after a great round on day 2 to give me a chance. McColgan gave the field a chance on the second day with your drives going wayward for a few holes. But day 3 he was on point with most of them. Finishing 3rd is probably what I deserved in the end just wish it was a bit closer.”

Wrapping up our 2021 winner D. McColgan said, “I played well over the three days, not my best but well enough. I am proud I stuck to my strategy on the Priestman course and my 2-iron and 4-iron off the tee served me well. It is hands down the most competitive field the Cup has seen, and it showed with intense battles for the top spot but also lots of other battles across the leaderboard. I think that’s what makes the event so good and look forward to 2022.”

Well, there we have it folks the action straight from the competitors mouths. As we wrap up the 2021 EuroDov Cup all eyes are already looking to The Mere, Cheshire, for the 2022 EuroDov Cup. We’ll have news on the field as it is released.