The RyDov Cup is the oldest competition on the EuroDov Tour and over there years only 12 players have ever had the privilege of Captaining a side.

Even more rare is captaining a winning side – since its inception the RyDov Cup has only ever been won by 6 Captains and only two have won it multiple occasions.

Captaining a side requires a unique set of skills, you need to balance competing opinions, you need to find players that know they play well together but also find pairs you know play well together and when all is said in done you need to be able to focus on your game, and deliver your points, sound in the knowledge the team is equipped to go out there and win theirs.

In 2024 we had two captains with a strong pedigree of winning on Tour and once the first ball was struck the tournament was on and fierce and spirited competition was the aim of the day.

Team Gowens flew out the traps in 2024 amassing the largest lead in RyDov Cup history in the morning singles, and whilst they didn’t pull through in the Greensomes they did enough to win the Cup out right.

We sat down with Paul after the celebration so let’s head over and hear about the 2024 RyDov Cup, straight from the captain’s mouth.

Congratulations on winning the RyDov Cup - how does it feel to have your hands on the trophy?

“Without doubt the absolute career highlight - getting back out on Tour and back to winning ways this season has been fantastic but the team pulling together to get the win has exceeded any pre-season expectations.”

⁠EuroDov Reporter undoubtedly favoured Team Love heading into the match - does that make the nature of the win even sweeter?

“I was always quietly confident in my team. Lots of individual winners there in their own right and steady golfers who would come into their own in team match play conditions.”

⁠Your team went out in the morning and took care of business, in one of the most dominant performances ever by a team - that must have felt good?

“Yes absolutely, and after that such a spirited fightback by Team Love in the afternoon, it was good we had got it done so well in the morning to get far enough in front and keep our noses in the lead.”

⁠It’s always good to see your team come through in tight matches - how important we’re the fight backs of Scott Gowens, Stevie Orr & Rory Malloch?

“It was the difference between winning and losing but to be honest I said to my partner Joel how confident I was once their matches went all square.

Matchplay suits both Rory and Scott’s playing style and Stevie, on the back of one of the biggest wins in the King’s Cup this year - I would always back them to get the job done. It was telling that they were the trio waiting for me to finish on the 18th to congratulate me first.”

At 9.5-2.5 you must have been calling the engraver to confirm the spelling?

“Not at all, Rich was reminding us all that it wasn’t over, he had never been on the winning team and we knew Team Love would come out strong in the afternoon.”

What do you say to your team when they are riding high at lunch but still have a bit work to do in the afternoon?

“Sounds very cliched but I just spoke to them all individually - play your game and enjoy it. Get the win for Jim. Team Love will fight hard but let’s just keep our noses in front.”

⁠Connor/Mair we’re a devastating partnership delivering an 8&7 win. However, Team Gowens we’re down in 4 matches and the 5th was a tight affair - does doubt start to creep in?

“Maybe not as strong as doubt but as I said I knew Team Love were never going to be out of it till it was mathematically done.”

⁠Scott Gowens & Graeme Rose sealed the win 2&1 and with it the RyDov Cup - what’s the feeling at that point?

“It was great to receive the message that the door had been slammed shut and the win was in the bag - great for those team members who couldn’t play for medical reasons and fantastic for Rich to be on the winning team for the first time.”

⁠Your win today confirms your captaincy of the EuroDov Tour team at the 2026 Carnegie Cup - will you consider any changes to the selection process?

“I think it will take a while to sink in, big shoes to fill after a massive win in the Carnegie Cup this year that’s for sure.

I will get a meeting and seek guidance from the selection committee and previous captains and make tweaks if needed.”

Finally, do you have any words for your team after the win?

“Just a massive well done, was great to be called a winning captain but you can only be a winning captain if you have a winning team, thank you all!”

It was great to sit down with Gowens and you got a real sense that the team, both playing and non-playing knew what they were about, went out and executed perfectly and came together at the right moment to lift the Cup for Gowens.

Gowens will be back to defend the Cup in 2025 and will be Captaining the EuroDov Tour side at the Carnegie Cup in 2026.