Rider Cup Captains Face The Press Ahead Of La Cala Cauldron

Whilst most of the World's sports media, and some Breadalbane participants, have been visiting the USA for FIFA's World Cup across the summer; the impending 20th Breadalbane weekend has somewhat quietly slipped under the radar this year. However, with attentions now firmly turning to golf; the recent Open Championship at Royal Birkdale was something of a palette cleanser for the main course.

For the first time since 2018, the players will be travelling to foreign soil with the event being held at the La Cala Golf Resort on the outskirts of La Cala De Mijas. The small town is home to just 4,000 inhabitants and was a typical Andalusian white-washed fishing village until tourism started to take over in the 1960s. Historically, it was also a place for defence, fortified with four towers along the Mediterranean coast with the purpose of giving notice of any enemy ships approaching. As blue meets white in the 5th edition of The Rider Cup; Taymouth, fresh from a maiden win last year, will be hoping their defence of the title is similarly up to the job.

Not 12 months have passed since Craig Roberts and his team ended 3 years of pain and suffering with a convincing 11.5-7.5 victory at Belton Woods. The selection of their 5th Captain was always going to be crucial and the Tays have decided to keep it in the family with Eddie Roberts assuming the role in 2026. Roberts returns after a 2 year absence, tempted out of retirement for the 20th anniversary of the Breadalbane and becoming the third of the Roberts clan to lead Taymouth. In terms of Rider Cup records, they don't come much better either. Teeing it up in the two initial battles with Kenmore, Roberts scored 5 points from a possible 6; taking the singles scalps of Adam Duncan and John Bruce, whilst also forming a formidable partnership with Paul Matuszczyk at Heron's Reach. He returns to a far stronger side than he left two years ago, a team who now have that winning feeling and crucial momentum heading to Spain.

If Roberts is returning to a changed squad, the man who is charged with leading Kenmore comes back to an unrecognisable event from the one he left behind. When Alex Smith made his last Breadalbane appearance 18 years ago, there was 12 golfers, a 9 hole Texas Scramble, no golf on Friday and hair on Craig Roberts' head. Not since Michael Jordan coming back to basketball in 1995 with the Chicago Bulls, has there been a more hotly anticipated return in sport. Smith has to galvanise a squad who is not used to defeat and has made some strong picks in Breadalbane veterans Andy Roberts, Jimmy Ramsay and Lex McTaggart. These changes have made Kenmore slightly stronger on paper, with an average squad handicap index of 18.3 as opposed to 19.1 on the Taymouth side. However, this is the closest the teams have ever been in terms of handicaps and so it promises to be a tight match, once again.

BB News got the chance to attend the Rider Cup press conference, after the official practice round at Glenbervie this weekend, and speak to both Captain's ahead of the teams flying out to Spain on Thursday.

First to face the cameras is Roberts. He is asked what it means to be returning as Captain of Taymouth; "Coming back after the time I've had away and a little more of life has gone past; the Breadalbane guys are all still together and I can see the passion that they have for it. It's a privilege to be asked back, it is a privilege to be the leader of the Taymouth team and I'll do my very best in the role."

The next question focuses on what Roberts believes he can bring to the team as Captain, his answer doesn't give much away; "There are a few wee ideas up my sleeve and with the support of the rest of the team; we are hoping to make it a good game."

There may have been some ideas on pairings after the official warm up round ended in victory for Taymouth, with Roberts himself winning. Having reportedly struggled with his game over recent years, he is asked how pleased he is with the form he showed in the 2&1 victory with Craig Roberts; "I competed today for the second time in a couple of weeks. This is the most competitive I've felt in about 15 years I'd say and I don't have any hesitation in saying that. Hopefully the Rider Cup will bring out the competitor in me." This is a man who is growing in confidence as the weekend approaches and he will certainly be hoping to spread that to the rest of his squad.

He continues; "The competition has always driven me on, thinking back to the very first weekend. It wasn't yesterday but it feels like that sometimes. The play-off with Alex Smith Senior back then, there was no quarter given; I was trying like a bear and he was trying like a bear. That's the way it should be." With young Alex Smith now the opposing Captain for Kenmore, Ed is asked what is feels like to be facing him at La Cala. He briefly pauses for thought before responding; "Well, with Smitty coming, it's terrific that he's made the effort to do that. He doesn't seem to have changed does he?! There must be something in the water over there!"

The two men haven't done battle since 2008 and Roberts is visibly emotional when expanding on the point; "I'm so happy he's managed to come back, it all just seems like such a long time ago now since Slaley Hall. In terms of the competition, that will take care of itself but first and foremost it is great to see him and great to have him here for the event. We will, as always, remember his Father and be respectful of that."

The memories have been stirred and, as one of the Founding Foreskins who has stepped away for the last few years, Roberts is keen to press home the importance of the weekend; "The bottom line with all of this is that, for me, it's a privilege to get old. But you can't take it for granted, you've got to keep doing your best and enjoying yourself. This event has played a big part over the years and I'm sitting looking at you all remembering it like it was yesterday. I remember when Alex's Dad said he wasn't very well at the dinner table and being shocked. So, again, coming back today after a few years away with time to reflect and more of life going past; it's been great."

Taymouth Captain, Eddie Roberts, faces the media ahead of The Rider Cup at Breadalbane XX.

With time running out for the interview, Roberts is asked what his main message will be to his team ahead of the first matches starting in Spain; "My message is that we're obviously, on paper, not the best golfers, right? But the handicaps are there to be used and we've had insight today as to how that can work to our advantage." This is sure to be a key factor across the weekend indeed and Roberts led by example in the practice round at Glenbervie, going -5 under his handicap for the back 9. However, Taymouth, despite being Rider Cup holders, clearly feel they are the underdog heading out to La Cala.

"You're never out, never out of it. The main thing is to compete and enjoy. I hope the lads enjoy the competition." His final words seem fitting. This is a man who, over the years has equal parts enjoyed and competed at the Breadalbane weekends. Despite Roberts playing down his own form over recent years, he has only been beaten once in the Rider Cup for Taymouth; he needs that competitive edge to bring out the best in himself. Can he instil that into the rest of his team?

He is quickly followed in the media suite by Kenmore Captain, Smith. Having not appeared at the Breadalbane since 2008, he is quick to acknowledge this; "It has been 18 long years watching this special event from the side-lines; I can't tell you how much I have missed playing in the Breadalbane."

Smith is asked about how he views the changes to the event since his last appearance at Slaley Hall; "As a Founding Foreskin, it's fantastic to see how the event has grown and evolved over the years; especially the addition of The Rider Cup. There is no doubt my old man, Alex Smith Senior; the inaugural winner of the Breadalbane, would be incredibly proud of what it has become".

Having moved to New Zealand before the 3rd event, Smith will be keen to make up for lost time both on and off the course, he is asked what he is most looking forward to about the upcoming event; "I'm really looking forward to catching up with old friends and making a few new ones along the way." The weight of expectation on his shoulders is huge, not only leading the Kenmore side in their quest to take back the trophy, but also becoming the strongest player in the 24 man field at La Cala.

In a summer where Scotland made a return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28 year absence, it is put to Smith that there may be a similar pressure for his charges to overcome; "The Scotland performance was disappointing for us all but, thankfully, I'm the only thing coming home this summer", he quips. "It would have been unbearable seeing a certain Taymouth player known for his turncoat abilities if the auld enemy had done the unthinkable." This is, of course, a refence to England losing out in the semi final of the same competition; as their long wait for success continues. Asked which Taymouth player he is referring to, Smith remains coy; "Let's just say rumour has it he may even have a navy blue top on under his golf shirt, just in case".

With the friendly fire started, attentions turn to Smith's opposite number. Eddie Roberts prevented Smith from winning the Breadalbane Quaich 18 years ago and he has never had the chance to avenge that loss; until now. Smith is asked if the matchup adds extra spice to the occasion. He is prepared for the question; "It will be a real pleasure to take on Eddie once again. We shared some great battles in the early years of the Breadalbane, and I'm sure this year will be no different. Friendly rivalries are what makes this event so special."

In follow up, Smith is asked about the strange quirk that the Captains have been drawn to play each other on the opening day of every Rider Cup to date and whether he is ready for that challenge; "Of course", he says. Then a wry smile comes over his face; "I couldn't help but notice, however, that over the years our handicaps have headed in completely opposite directions." That draws a laugh from those gathered. Smith continues; "Whether that is down to age, declining ability or simply years of selective scorekeeping; I'll let Eddie decide".

Despite the rivalry being friendly, there is no doubt that Smith will want to get one over on Roberts at La Cala.

Kenmore Captain, Alex Smith, looks focussed as he faces the media ahead of his Breadalbane return.

There have been questions in the build up to the event around Smith's residency on the other side of the world making it difficult for him to get close to his Kenmore squad and keep tabs on their form across the season. He is asked whether that is a legitimate concern; "Let me start by taking the opportunity to acknowledge the Captains who have gone before me in Adam, Dodge, Brucey and Gaz. Each of them has led this team with commitment, integrity and pride. I am grateful for the support and wisdom they have shared with me until this point." It is clear that a leadership team has supported Smith in the preparation and planning for the Rider Cup and he is happy with the squad ahead of the big showdown; "It is a privilege to follow in their footsteps and I couldn't ask for a better group of men to stand alongside as we take on this year's challenge".

And the challenge will be a tough one. Attempting to wrestle back a trophy, which had become their own since its introduction, will be no easy task against a strong Taymouth team. However, amongst all the sub plots, Smith is crystal clear on the aim; "The team has one clear objective. To win back The Rider Cup. We are under no illusions about the challenge ahead." Asked what he has made of the opposition, Smith responds; "We know our opponents are talented, determined and will fight for every hole. Some holes more than others...."

Smith is asked what motivated him to return to action after such a long absence, was it simply the 20th anniversary of the event that he couldn't miss? There is no hint of sentiment in his answer; "Let me make one thing clear, I'm travelling half way round the world not simply to play golf, but to help put right the wrongs of last year." His determination clear, this is a man who wants to win. "Every player in this team has earned the right to wear the Kenmore colours, and every one of us will leave everything out on the course."

As the Kenmore press officer signals that time is almost up, Smith is asked what his main message is to his side ahead of Spain, his response is swift and emphatic; "We'll play with pride, with passion, and for the generations of players who have made this fixture what it is today." Smith pauses before delivering his final soundbite:

"Now it's our turn to write the next chapter. Up the Kenmore".

They will certainly be hoping for a better result than in the warm up, where Taymouth prevailed 2-1 across the three matches. There were notable performances in a close match between Smith himself, Adam Duncan, Steven Roberts and John McLuckie. However, there is no substitute for the real thing and every player will be aware that the pressure will ramp up when they stand on that first tee at La Cala's Asia course this Friday.

In an event where emotions run high, it feels like whoever can keep cool in Spain will have the best chance. With the largest field yet, returning legends and the chance for Smith to finally avenge defeat by Roberts; there are no shortage of sub plots and story lines for the most famous event in golf.

This rivalry is always white hot and hardly needs the forecasted temperatures of over 30 degrees to heat things up.

As the players enter the cauldron at La Cala and all the ingredients of the three days come to boiling point; who can produce the magic to get over the line?