1st Barry Austin (Downes Crediton GC) 70-76 146
2nd Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton GC) 76-72 148
3rd Jon Langmead (Exminster GC) 75-75 150
4th = Albert MacKenzie (Saunton GC) 79-73 152
4th = Chris Gill (Exeter G & CC) 77-75 152

Under 30’s Champion
Dan Wood (Holsworthy) 78-76 154

Monday 8th August saw the County’s Professionals compete for the prestigious Devon Professional Championship over Devon’s two premiere courses, Saunton and Royal North Devon.

This year’s event profile was enhanced by the support of County stalwart and Saunton and Royal North Devon member Keith Abrahams. Mr Abrahams, who has supported Devon County Golf for many years and especially this year, the County’s Centenary, wanted to celebrate his great relationship with Professionals over the years and commemorate what the Pros had done for the Amateurs. His support meant the Professionals were playing for the biggest prize fund in the event’s history.

On a day when the winds were gusting up to 40 mph, Downes Crediton Professional Barry Austin took control of the event when posting what turned out to be the only sub par round of the day in the morning round at Saunton, a one under par 70. Austin who always enjoys the challenges presented by the North Devon links commented on how ‘his best round of the year considering the conditions’ was based upon using the wind rather than fighting it and making key putts when required. He remarked ‘but for dropped shots at 17 and 18 it could have been one of the best rounds of my career’.

Austin’s 70 meant that he took a 4 shot lead over Royal North Devon’s Mike Wilson and a 5 shot lead over Exminster’s Jon Langmead into the afternoon’s second round, for which the Professionals made the 20 minute journey over the River Taw to Royal North Devon Golf Club.

The biggest mover in the afternoon was to be Dinnaton Professional Paul Hendriksen. Hendriksen, who finished the last 5 holes of his morning round in 1 under par to post a 76, continued in the same vein. Playing some fine wind approaches, he showed much of the form that has seen him win many events on the historic links course. His good play added up to a best-of-the-afternoon 72 (level par) and a 36 hole total of 148.

Austin meanwhile was continuing to play consistent golf, once again finding himself under par for his round after 14 holes, but dropped shots on the tough final four holes saw his lead dwindle and he ended with a 2 shot victory over Hendriksen, winning the title for a 4th time.

Exminster’s Jon Langmead posted a second 75 for a 150 total in third place, while Saunton Professional Albert MacKenzie tied 4th alongside Exeter’s Chris Gill on 152.

Holsworthy’s Dan Wood also had a solid day to score 154 and win the Under 30’s Championship.

At the presentation Keith Abrahams presented the cups and Devon PGA Captain, Rob Selley thanked Saunton and Royal North Devon’s staff for their hospitality and wonderful order of the golf courses.