It was a new venue for the Tour, but a familiar winner at the MCM @ Pitffirane.

The event – which has now had 3 homes in its time on Tour – was held at Dunfermline Golf Club for the first time.

The Course, presented beautifully, was the perfect canvass for the drama that was about to play out over the 18 holes. With a number of different leaders throughout the day it came down to final hole drama as David McColgan, 2-time Major winner this year already, squandered a 1 shot lead to lose on a countback.

And the phrase “lose on a countback” can only denote one winner, Richard Mair. Mair lifted his 3 OoM event in 2 years winning all of them on a countback – but don’t worry we’re not talking about any asterisks here!

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Mair and getting his reactions to today’s event.

Great to meet with you again Richard, let’s dive right in, does this make up for The Invitational loss?

“It definitely takes away the sting. The pressure on the 18th last week got to me. Delighted to get the win today.”

⁠How did you find the course out there?

“I enjoyed the course. The condition was excellent, but the greens were too slow. I left a lot of putts short, and I think the scoring would have been even lower all round had the greens been faster.”

Did defending the championship on a new course matter?

“I didn’t think about it too much. I enjoy playing Aberdour so was disappointed the tournament moved to a new home. But no complaints with Dunfermline and looking forward to next year!”

There was a lot made about new irons and a new putter in the bag today - how did that affect your play?

“My irons were steady. I was in two minds whether to put them straight in the bag but I’m glad I did as they got me out of trouble quite a few times.

The putter is work in progress, but I’ll hopefully see the benefits of that leading up to and including the Tour Champs.”

You were clubhouse leader at 1-under, what is it like sitting watching the scores come in?

“At first it was pretty relaxing. I actually went and got a pint and watched the rest of the field come in.
It became a bit more interesting (nerve wracking) when I realised there may be a chance of winning.”

⁠McColgan had a 1 shot lead teeing off on 18 - what’s the best-case scenario for you in that situation?

“Dave’s an excellent player. In all honesty I thought he would birdie the 18th so I wasn’t really thinking about the win.

At that point I was thinking a 2nd place gets me up the Order or Merit placings and I was content with that.”

⁠McColgan hit a wayward second shot, he seemed to have done the math that his wedge from 55 yards was needed to win the tournament, were you aware?

“I knew Dave had lost a ball. The 2nd cut was punishing at the course and balls seemed to go missing in our group all day.

Even at that point though I hadn’t done the math. McColgan holed a decent length putt, and I didn’t realise at that point it was for bogey.”

⁠You’ve gone back-to-back at the MCM how does that feel?

“It feels great, I’m really chuffed. The trophy has been on display in my son’s bedroom, and he was gutted I had to take it away today. So, he’s a happy lad tonight.”

Your win puts you third in the OoM and gives you an exemption from Q-School - what next for the rest of the season?

“If I can be in contention for a major that would be brilliant. But the fields are so tough now it’s going to be a challenge.

I’ve got a date with Craigielaw at the end of the season. Determined to put in a much better display at the Tour Champs this year.”

⁠Finally, the Tour takes a break next week for the Carnegie Cup - does the SanWedge Tour Captain winning this week give you the psychological edge?

“I think the win coupled with home advantage gives us a boost. We managed to have a close-run match last year and hoping for the same next week.”

Well, there we have it folks, Mair becomes the second most winningest player on the Order of Merit with 3 tournament wins over taking Paul Gowens, Stuart Allan and Stuart Sutherland.

We’re taking a week off to cover the Carnegie Cup so will hopefully see you all there and until then happy golfing.