Devon Features

Devon Professional Championship

Thursday 4th June 2009
Dartmouth Golf & Country Club

Leading Scores

147 (72-75) Chris Gill (Exeter)
149 (76-73) Paul Hendriksen (Churston)
151 (77-74) Barry Austin (Downes Crediton)
155 (80-75) Peter Laugher (Thurlston)

Chris Gill
Devon Professionl
Champion 2009

The Devon Professionals Championship was played last Thursday at Dartmouth Golf & Country Club. The event this year was somewhat low-key, with less entries than in previous years, nevertheless most of the Counties leading players were in the field. The tournament was played from the clubs `tournament gold tees` which stretched this already demanding golf course, to over 7,200 yards, anyone who has played Dartmouth will appreciate the severity of the test, and only ball striking and course management of the highest quality will get you round in par or better.

The winning total for 36 holes on the day was 3 over par by the ever consistent Chris Gill, who came closest on the day to mastering the golf course. Chris managed his game well on the day, and although he felt his long game was far from its best, he still has enough ability and quality in his game to compile a winning score. Most of the professionals felt that the best player would win on such a layout, and the general consensus was that this had been the case on the day. Chris 'shot of the day` was an 8 iron second shot into the downwind par five 9th from 180 yards which finished 6 inches from the cup for a tap in eagle 3. Chris commented "Although I was never comfortable with my swing or ball striking throughout the day I was very pleased with how I managed my game. This has improved hugely over the last few seasons and I now feel I can compile a score when striking the ball poorly."

Chris picked up the Championship Trophy which has many fantastic names on it stretching back to 1923 he also collected the under 30's trophy and this is the 3rd time in 5 years he has won both events.

In second place was Paul Hendriksen who also was slightly disappointed with his form on the day, Paul is more used to playing on demanding courses, as he regularly competes on the Europro Tour, and is this season travelling regularly to Germany to compete on the Alps Tour.

Barry Austin finished 3rd, and also left the golf course shaking his head rather frustrated with his overall game. He commented "The golf course was the big winner on the day, and you had to be at the very top of your game just to get near par."

Unfortunately there was a mix up with some of the groupings in the afternoon and as a result 8 players well foul of the rules and had to disqualify themselves, this depleted the already small field and was a disappointing end to the day.

Mike Jones the Devon Alliance Secretary was running his final event in charge before he moves back to North Wales after having lived in Devon for many years all the professionals present thanked him for his efforts this year with helping the Alliance run smoothly.