Sunday 30th August saw the cream of Devon golf , both Professional and Amateur, vying for the Devon Open Championship at the stunning Woodbury Park Golf & Country Club on the beautiful Oakes golf course.
On a day that had drizzle during the morning and high winds in the afternoon the competitors came up with some fine golf, with low scoring and ultimately an exciting play-off finish which was a testament to the exceptional condition the Woodbury Park Golf Course was in.
As the dominant player not only in Devon Professional but the West of England & South Wales Chris Gill from the Exeter Golf & Country Club again showed his class to claim victory but not before having to hold off a charging Sean Mason in the afternoon round.
Gill whose game is in fine shape ahead of the first qualifying stage for the European Tour at Chart Hills next week again showed great consistency from tee to green finding a high percentage of fairways and greens . This allied to some important putts held a critical times lead to a first round score of 68 and 5 under par. This was enough to give him a one shot lead over the Bigbury and Devon 1st team player, teenager Sam Edwards, who seems one to watch over the coming years.
The second round saw more of the same from Gill for a second round 5 under par 68 and a 36 hole total of 136, 10 under par. When Sam Edwards came up a shot shy after his own 68 for a 137 total it looked like the title was Gill’s once more but the charging Mason had other ideas. Mason also of Exeter Golf & Country Club whose first round 71 meant he needed to find 8 strokes in the afternoon round was getting about business in a hurry. An eagle 3 at the opening 1st hole followed by further birdies at the 4th, 5th 8th and 9th meant Mason was out in just 31 strokes, 6 under par. Further chances passed him by but another birdie on the tricky 13th and par five 16th saw Mason post a best of the day 8 under par 65 ,just one shy of the existing course record , and tie Gill for the lead. This meant a play-off was required to separate the two young Pro’s.
This took place over the exciting 18th hole which is surrounded by water. Mason took the advantage off the tee hitting the green whilst Gill missed short and left. A deft chip and solid 6 foot putt though saw Gill make 3 and tie Mason’s par. This meant they had to do it all over again in fading light Mason found the water to the right of the hole and Gills par 3 via the left hand bunker meant once again he was crowned Devon Open Champion.

Sam Freemans 137 nine under par total was enough to give him a one shot victory in the Rowbotham Trophy , the Amateur section of the event, over Teignmouth’s England International Billy Hemstock and 3rd place in the Devon Open.
At the presentation Alliance Vice-Captain, Duncan Arnold, congratulated all the winners and thanked Woodbury Park Golf & Country Club for their hospitality and use of their superb course.