Devon Features

Devon Professional Championship

Wednesday 9th June 2010
Torquay Golf Club

Champion - Neil Holman (67,67)[-4] Torbay DR
2nd Place - Robin Goodey (65,70) [-3] Downes Crediton
3rd Place - Chris Gill (67, 69) [-2] Exeter
Paul Hendriksen (70, 66) Churston
Ashley Moon (69, 67) Okehampton
Cliff Strange (68,68) Torquay
Barry Austin (67, 69) Downes Crediton
Sean Mason (68, 68) Exeter

U30's Assistant Professionals Champion - Sean Mason (68,68)

Neil Holman & Sean Mason
Devon Professionl Champion
& Assistant Champion 2010

The Devon County PGA held their Professional Championship on Wednesday at an immaculate Torquay Golf Club. The Club made every effort to present the course in superb condition and the greens were a pleasure to putt on. This was reflected in the low scoring, Pro`s like nothing better than fast true greens and at Torquay they were amongst the best this season.

On this day of low scoring, Neil Holman from Torbay DR held his nerve and won for the first time the Devon Pro`s Championship, from a host of top players who all had a chance of victory on the day.

Neil who admits that he normally struggles round Torquay, overcame any negative results in the past on this course, to shoot rounds of 67-67 to capture a title that he has wanted to land for years. His strength of mind and determination are legendary and he used both to the fullest, to triumph on the day. He had to beat the best players in perhaps the most closely contested Championship in history, at least 10 players had a chance to win on the day and several of those will be counting some costly dropped shots at different points through the day.

Neil also could have shaved shot`s throughout his rounds, as his play from tee to green was superb, his key strengths on the day were driving and putting, but his overall game is in great shape. A tip a couple of weeks ago from Mark Saunders to lengthen his putting stroke has made all the difference. There were several shots that stood out but an 82 yard wedge which lipped out on 18 in the morning was pleasing as this is his perfect mid wedge distance, a great par save putt on 17 in the afternoon was also crucial.

Incredibly though his shot of the day was on the opening hole in the morning, a poor drive had left him snookered behind a tree on the left, but he miraculously hooked a wedge 40yds round the obstacle and his ball finished 8ft from the hole. This seemed to set Neil on his way and his feel and touch were good for 36 holes.

His strength of mind was needed on the last, where memories of a poor last tee shot at Oake Manor a few weeks ago cost him the chance of victory in the West Region OOM event. He steeled himself and found the fairway and secured a good par to close out the tournament.

Robin Goodey had led after the morning round with a great 65 which included a holed 5 iron on the fourth for eagle. He could not quite keep the momentum going in the afternoon round and had to settle for second place, he had previously beaten Neil in a playoff some years earlier to win the title himself.

Tied in third were a group of players who all must feel that they had a great chance of victory, Barry Austin looked to be cruising to the title, but costly dropped shots on 3 of the last 4 holes ended his run. Chris Gill, Paul Hendriksen, Sean Mason, and Cliff Strange all played very well on the day, and all had their chances to win.

Ashley Moon making a rare Summer outing, would love to go back and play the easy short par 4 9th hole again. He played the hole in 11 shots when most of the field were picking up birdies on this hole. He was last seen heading for a darkened room to sit and think about those mistakes!!

The course was also a big winner on the day with the professionals full of praise for the layout, which arguably produced one of the best Devon Pro`s tournaments in years, our thanks to new Secretary Colin Nolan for his help with organising the event.

Sean Mason picked up the Assistants under 30`s title and Devon PGA Captain Robin Goodey wrapped up the day by thanking everybody at Torquay for hosting the event. He handed over the trophy to a delighted Neil Holman.