As reports rage on about some handbags between, the two captains at Tour HQ we’re taking the opportunity to sit down with them and hear how their preparations are going ahead of the 10th playing of the RyDov Cup.

The challenging Captain, Paul Gowens, makes his 3rd appearance since featuring in the founding event in 2022.

Following the team selection change in 2024, Gowens takes charge of the newcomer team. His credentials to do so are unparalleled with rookie of the year win in 2022 alongside his 7 Tour wins to date.

He'll call up on the experience of Graeme Connor, Andy McGregor and Graeme Rose who’ve all competed in the RyDov previously and the winning mentality of Mair, Connor, Orr, Greenshields, S. Gowens, Malloch and McNeill who bring 14 Tour wins to the team.

We sat down with Paul to hear his thoughts on the 10th match and challenging for the RyDov Cup for the first time.

Congratulations on your captaincy Paul, how does it feel to be leading out a team at the RyDov Cup?

“Yes, it is a real honour and looking forward to it so much, career highlight so far for me. It will be a great day!”

You'll be challenging for the trophy; do you think all the pressure is on Andy Love as the defending Captain?

“Absolutely as previously reported looking at the previous points haul across the teams the historical data would suggest Team Love as favourites.”

It's the 10th anniversary match and the Tour has changed the team selection process; you are leading out the new players on Tour against the Founding players - do you relish the chance to spoil the party?

“It’s not so much about spoiling the party it’s about be being able to show how much the Tour and the standard of player has improved over time.”

The Founding team boasts 82 previous appearances compared to the 19 from your team, do you feel you are at a disadvantage from the off?

“Some might say that, but we have a strong team. Graeme Connor is high in the rankings overall, Richard is a previous rookie of the year, Callum is a major winner in his own right. Steve Carded one of the best rounds ever with a -5 recently. Graeme Rose and Andy McGregor both have played at this level previously. Ally is a previous winner in team events and Jim although a massive loss on the course will be guiding us on the day.”

You've got 7 Tour wins under your belt, the most on Team Gowens, how will you use this experience with your relatively inexperienced team?

“Yeah, you can say it’s an inexperienced team but everyone on the team has the game to win their points.

They won’t need much help from me, and I am sure everyone will have a great experience with all but three players having played in the RyDov previously and they know what to do. Hopefully Jim as vice-captain will be around to steady the ship if needed.”

How will you manage the 3 rookies (Scott Gowens, Rory Malloch and Joel Morrison) in the line-up?

“The 3 rookies is an interesting term.

They may be new to this event but both Rory and Scott have wins in team events being Anstruther plate winners and Joel is very steady with a great swing and I am convinced he will deliver a point as he steps up to anchor the team.”

What message will you be giving to the team ahead of the opening tee shots on 7th September

“It’s easy, my message in fact has already been written by the reporters, we are underdogs on paper and its David v Goliath. Interestingly though we are not playing on paper, and we all know how David and goliath finished up…”

Fighting talk from Paul Gowens who will lead his team at Kinross on September 7th.

Make sure to join us as we cover all the news, insight and analysis from the 10th playing of the RyDov Cup.