It’s always an exciting time of the year, but one that is also tinged with a bit sadness, as the Order of Merit regular season comes to a close. The From the Locker Room Team put their bravest faces on as they were out and about at the Forrester-Lochgelly Open.

First played for in 2021 at Forrester Park Golf Resort, the Open moved to its current home, Lochgelly, in 2022. The event has a history of close finishes with the first ever winner Denis Duncan winning in a three-way countback, and in 2022, David McColgan winning by a stroke with a par on the last hole.

And 2023 was no exception, Richard Mair, the front-runner for the Rookie of the Year accolade, lipped out for the outright win, only to find out he had won on countback when he got to the clubhouse.

We’re delighted to sit down with Richard now and hear his thoughts on today’s events, Richard welcome back for your second Order of Merit win, how does it feel?

“I am delighted. Was really happy with the win at Aberdour earlier in the season and didn’t expect to get another win, so very happy!”

With your win today you have become only the 3rd player in Order of Merit history to win multiple tournaments [David McColgan 7 wins, Paul Gowens] how does that feel?

“Wow!! I didn’t know that. A bit taken aback by that and just really happy to have been able to get another win.”

You are making quite the rookie season, looking back to your first appearance, did you think you'd be this successful so early?

“I thought I might have a chance at some top 5s. Kinghorn was a bit up and down for me, a relatively solid performance but then a few holes that ruined the card. That day the winning score was significantly under par so my aim was to start getting close to par to get into contention if I could in the other tournaments.”

What went through your mind when you bogeyed the first hole?

“Same old story for me! I’m a slow starter and it can take 3/4 holes to get going. A bad habit that I can’t seem to shake. To be honest I was quite annoyed at myself but just had to stick with it and not let it get the better of me.”

Did you know you had a putt to win the tournament outright on 18th, what went through your mind when you missed it?

“I did and I was annoyed. I’m usually pretty solid from that distance and my putting was good all day. So, to lip out for birdie was disappointing.”

This is your second win of the season on a countback, does it matter to you how you win the tournament?

“Nah, doesn’t say countback on the trophy!”

Touche!

You head into the Tour champs with the last win of the regular season, does this give you the momentum to win another event?

“It definitely boosts my confidence. The Tour champs feel like a free hit. If I can bring a decent enough game, I’ll hopefully be in with a chance.”

You sit 1950 points behind David McColgan, what is the ambition for the Tour Championships?

“I didn’t expect to be going into Tour Champs in 2nd place. I’m hoping to play well and see where it takes me. As I said the pressure is off so who knows. If someone can finish above Dave then they’ll most likely have a real shot, double points can change the placings significantly.”

You currently lead the Harry Vardon trophy by 0.5 of a stroke, with two counting rounds to go, do you think you can hold on to that spot?

“It would be brilliant to hold on to that. But I’ve heard Craigielaw is a really challenging course, so I think I’ll have to put in 2 really strong rounds. Here’s hoping.”

As a co-sanctioned player, do you feel your wins vindicate the inclusion of SanWedge Tour players in the EuroDov Tour? Are you sticking it to the establishment with your performances?

“Definitely. I think it’s brought a bit of an added edge to the tour. I think everyone saw that with the Carnegie cup, which was a brilliant success. The SanWedge boys spur each other on so it helps in the tournaments.”

Looking at the other end of the OoM 3 of your SanWedge colleagues are in a tussle to keep their cards for 2024 - what do you think the outcome will be at the end of play, who is going to Q-School?

“It’s going to be tough. As I’ve mentioned the double points can mean we’re likely to see big moves. As to who will face the drop - sitting firmly on the fence for that one. I’ll just say may the best man win!”

Well, there we have it, Mair becomes the third player in OoM history to rack up multiple wins and also the second rookie ever to win multiple tournaments in their rookie season. His exploits have catapulted him into 2nd place in the race for the James Braid Quaich with just the Tour Champs to come.

The players have a short turnaround this week with the Tour Champs just 4 days away, FTLR will be there of course with all the insight, news and analysis as the 2023 Order of Merit season comes to a close.

Until then, happy golfing!