With the end of the Tour Champs, comes the end of the Order of Merit season. The From the Locker Room team has been around the country getting reacquainted with the returning players and meeting the new players on the Order of Merit.

It’s been an incredible season with 6 winners from 7 events, 4 of them first time winners on the OoM, but when was all said and done it was a familiar face who lifted the James Braid Quaich, David McColgan.

After the dust had settled, we caught up with some of the protagonists of the 2023 season to get their throughs, so let’s head on over and get the players’ reactions on the season that was.

Let’s start with the Tour Champs, how did you find the course today?

Paul Gowens, who made his return at the Dodhead Invitational after major medical treatment at the start of the season said, “it was tough in the morning off the tips, but the course played the same for everybody. The wind seemed to drop at points and seemed more reachable in the afternoon.”

Richard Mair, hotly tipped as rookie of the year after winning the MCM @ Aberdour and the Forrester-Lochgelly Open said, “The course was in really good condition. Although I’d probably say it didn’t suit my game, it was the same for everyone and the condition was consistent.”

Stevie Orr, winner of the Kinghorn Classic said, “The course, for as nice as it looks, was a real challenge in windy conditions off the medal tees in the morning. Pin positions were very tough too. The afternoon was slightly easier with less wind and off the blues, but I enjoyed myself out there. Can’t wait for next year already.”

Barry Cunningham, winner of the King’s Cup, said, “The course was good and a fair test, very hard at times to stay on the greens with approach shots but enjoyable.”

David McColgan, winner of the Dodhead Invitational and the James Braid Quaich, said “that is hands down the toughest we’ve had it at the Tour Champs. The course was so firm, and the wind really challenged the shot selection.

A great test to end the season.”

The winner on the day, Stuart Allan, said, “in the 3 years playing the Tour Champs I think the course was in the best shape this year. However, the rough was as tough as it’s been also. In summary a fitting course to end the season.”

It’s probably been the most exciting Tour Champs ever with races for the James Braid Quaich, the battle to avoid Q-School and contenders for the Tour Champs title raging on throughout the day - how did you find the competition?

Rookie Richard Mair said, “Fierce. I couldn’t believe the number of leaders there were throughout the day. There were so many ups and downs in the afternoon round in particular. Both for the top prize and Q-school relegation.”

Paul Gowens, who was in the mix in 2022, said, “I really enjoyed following the fight at the top, but definitely felt for those battling relegation.”

Stevie Orr said, “as I had an exemption, I knew the weight was off me. Thank goodness! However, it was exciting to keep an eye out on what was happening elsewhere.”

Stuart Allan, whose performance put him in the prize money at the end of the day, said, “with the biggest OoM field yet it has delivered the most competitive. Even during the final round, the only position that was secure was 1st place.”

Joel Morrison, who started the day in the relegation battle said, “as much as I tried to convince myself it’s only golf and just to enjoy it, I couldn’t shake my competitive nature while trying to fight off relegation. Very happy to still be part of the OoM come the end of the day.”

A fellow player in the battle, Ally Greenshields said, “plenty going on, and was exiting watching it all unfold. In both my groups, morning and afternoon, there were significant moves in the leaderboard to keep on top. Was great to be involved right till the very last hole.”

Stuart Allan lifted his first Tour win since June 2021 - how good is it to see him back in the winner’s circle?
McColgan said, “I think it’s great for him and the Tour. Stuart is a fierce competitor and having him at the top of his game can only be good for the Tour.”

Paul Gowens echoed this saying, “it’s really good he’s had a solid game all year!”

Mair said “pleasing to see for sure. I’m surprised Stu has gone this long without a win, I’m sure he won’t be waiting as long for the next one.”

Barry Cunningham, who beat Allan by a shot at the King’s Cup said, “the big man has been close a couple times now and seems to be playing well so good for him getting the win.”

Morrisons said, “as a rookie I’m only starting to see everyone’s games, but Stuart definitely seems to be a top player with a big drive. Congrats to him on the win! “

Greenshields, who lost out on his first ever OoM win on an 18-hole countback at the Tour Champs said, “As he beat me on countback, not that happy!”

Not jealous at all Ally!

The Tour champs was the third event to be won in countback in 2023 - is this a sign of just how competitive the OoM is nowadays?

McColgan said, “having lost on a countback this season, and seen so many close calls for others it really shows that winning on the Tour isn’t something to be taken granted.”

Double countback winner, Richard Mair, said, “I’m going to use the cliché but it’s true - almost anyone can win these days. The depth is clearly there and it’s going to be really exciting going into next season.”
Orr echoed this by saying, “it’s always good to have a competitive event, and season overall. Like I’ve said before, it shows that anyone can go out there and claim a victory.”

Cunningham, who lost the MCM @ Aberdour on countback said, “absolutely, it shows how strong the competition is now and you need to be on it to win.”

Let’s take a minute to reflect on those departing for Q-School. Daniel Peck and Callum McNeill head to Q-school, can they bounce back in 2024?

Gowens said, “Yes! I think they will their experience will show next year.”

Mair said, “it’s tough to call. I know a few of the San Wedge players that have qualified for Q school next year and they come with a high level of skill. It’s going to be hard for anyone to climb back into the OoM, but that’s how it should be.”
Greenshields said, “a lot of talk from McNeill before his relegation. Let’s hope that a stint in q-schools equips him with some decorum. Peck on the other hand will be a loss to the OoM and I expect to see him back up where he belongs soon enough."

Stuart Allan said, “two good players that can certainly bounce back. Cal has had a major handicap cut this year and Peck hasn’t been playing as often as he’s like. Next year will be the perfect opportunity to bounce straight back.”

With the OoM in the bag Richard Mair sits with 2 wins for the season, Ally Greenshields won the Anstruther Medal & Joel Morrison and Stuart Harwood avoided the drop to Q-School - do the rookie class of 2023 have a strong future ahead of them?

Allan continued, “they are all really good additions to the Tour and have all added to the group. Great to see them involved in the prizes and the old guard need to take note!!”

Rookie Morrison said, “Let’s hope so! Great season from Rich & Ally and I think me, and Harwood are just happy to still be in the fold. Can hopefully build more points early on next season to avoid such a nervy season closer.”

Cunningham said, “yeah, they do. Only strengthens the competition meaning everyone else needs to up their game.”

Is there any conceivable outcome other than Mair winning Rookie of the year? Greenshields winning the Montgomery cup maybe?

McColgan said, “If Ally Greenshields lifts the Montgomery Cup, it has to go to him. A Major on your debut season, that’d be a story.

However, the likelihood of that is pretty low, so I am going to give it to Richard Mair for his wins at Aberdour and Lochgelly.”

Orr said, “I don’t think you can look past Richard winning it. Two wins says it all really.”

Cunningham said, “Mair has been good this season so yeah would expect him rookie of year.”

Fellow rookie, Joel Morrison, said, “Ally has certainly thrown his name in to the mix, but at the moment Richard’s wins would have to take it.”

Of the two names in the hat at the minute, Ally Greenshields said, “unfortunately, as the only other rookie in with a shout at this title, it would be travesty if Richard Mair didn’t walk away with the ROTY title.”

Richard Mair said, “it’s nice to be named as a contented but I’ll leave that up the selection committee.”

Let’s look back at the season, what was the highlight for you?

Stuart Allan said, “my only win in the last event, the Tour Championships. The final 18 holes was by far my best round of the season.”

McColgan said, “there were plenty of highlights, Alan, Stevie, Richard and Barry all getting their first OoM wins are definitely up there.

Obviously personally delighted to have won my third James Braid Quaich.”

Paul Gowens said, “getting back out on the course and scoring points in last event of the year.”

Mair said, “for me it was getting my first win at Aberdour in the MCM. I wasn’t expecting to get a win at all so to do that and seal it with a long putt on the 18th really made it for me.”

Orr said, “has to be winning at Kinghorn for me. A course where it hasn’t worked out for me previously. It just feels good when things click. Best golf I’ve ever played.”

Looking back, what was your favorite event?

Morrison said, “I really enjoyed Aberdour. It was my first event on the tour and despite donating my ball to Poseidon off the tee in front of the full group, I had a great afternoon.”

Richard Mair said, “I’m going to say Lochgelly. 1st time playing that course and it was really challenging. There were also a lot of players in contention for the win that day, so it was really good fun. Also, the Carnegie cup was a cracking inaugural event played in great spirit.”

Gowens said, “Craigielaw for sure - felt I plaid the best I had all year on the front 9 in the afternoon, tailed off in back nine.”

Orr said, “I really enjoyed The King’s Cup this year. The weather was great, and everybody was in good spirits. It was also a close finish at the end with most of us around 18 watching the final group come through. Thoroughly enjoy it!”

Greenshields said, “The 36 holer at Craigielaw was superb, and a fantastic way to end what’s been a really enjoyable season.”

Who was the surprise package of 2023?

Gowens said, “has to be Richard as rookie of the year, outstanding!”

Stuart Allan said, “Big Ally always talks his game down and over delivers but Andy Love finishing 2nd in the OOM is a great performance. His game is really improving, and he deserves it for a great year.”

McColgan echoed Allan saying, “I think Andy Love’s 2nd place finish in the OoM will get massively overlooked here. The consistency shown to land here cannot be underestimated and full deserved by a player who invests a lot in his game.”

Mair said, “I think I’m going to say the San Wedge players collectively. We felt the pressure coming on to the tour and I think we’ve surpassed expectations.”

The OoM top 4 we’re McColgan, Love, Cunningham and Allan - are there any surprises there?

Paul Gowens said, “not really consistent for so long on the Tour.”

Morrison said, “I don’t think so. All seemed pretty solid from what I saw - well played boys”

Mair said, “Can’t say I’m surprised with those names. Personally, I’m a bit disappointed I couldn’t put in a better showing at the Tour Champs to get in the mix, but it shows you how competitive the Oom is.”

McColgan won the OoM for the 3rd year in a row to clinch his 10th major - does he instantly become favourite for 2024, or is his 1 win season a sign of change on the horizon?

Paul Gowens said, “always the man to beat on his game. Gives a lot of shots away to the rest of the field but scores very well.”

Stuart Allan said, “Dave may not win each event, but he is rarely far away, and consistency is key to winning overall and as the best player he has this more than most. The group need to perform better nest year to bridge what has been a landslide victory this year.”

Richard Mair said, “I think he’s going to find it harder next year. I’ve mentioned before the depth of the Tour is better and it’s going to be a problem for him. That being said, whoever finishes above Dave next year will be the winner.”

Stevie Orr said, “You would think so. One win doesn’t exactly mean a poor season. He’s just consistently really good and that’s the difference.”

Greenshields said, “McColgan oozes class, managing to win so much, while giving away so many shots, is no mean feat. As the standard rises, the handicaps remain largely unchanged, and across a larger field, wins may not be so easy to come by.”

Cunningham said, “my usual saying “To be the man you have to beat the man” he’s the favourite but I think next will a lot closer.”

We had a host of rookies in 2023, so how did they find their first season?

Mair said, “fantastic. I’ve played courses for the first time, had a great time with the lads and most importantly enjoyed the golf!”

Greenshields said, “first taste of proper “competition golf” and loved every tournament.”

Morrison said, “I’ve loved it. Great bunch of guys and fantastically organized. Glad to be involved!”

Well, we come to the end of the interviews but one last question, how would you sun-up 2023 and what’s in your head thinking towards 2024?

Richard Mair said, “couldn’t have asked for a better rookie season. I’d like to be more consistent next year in the majors and tour champs, the grind starts over Christmas!”

Stevie Orr said, “with my exemption I can relax and enjoy my golf. The main thing though for me heading into 2024 is gaining more points on a consistent basis. I’ll be happy if I can achieve that.”

Ally Greenshields said, “better than expected, would like get a win under my belt next year for sure!”

Barry Cunningham said, “2023 been a good year, started slow but good finish. 2024 - aim is to finish higher than 3rd.”

Joel Morrison said, “some real peaks and troughs on the golf front across the season for me. I’d like to be a little more consistent with my play next year, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Well, there we have it folks, that’s the final FTLR report from the 2023 Order of Merit. It’s been an exciting season, and exciting finish and plenty to talk about over the off-season, but for now, have a great winter and we’ll see you back at the Home of Golf in April 2024.

Until then, happy golfing.