Devon Features

Devon Open

Sponsored by Grange of Exeter
Sunday 24th August 2008
Saunton Golf Club

Leading Scores

75 70- 145 Chris Gill (Pro)
74 71- 145 Jon White (Am)
72 74- 146 Max Burrow (Am)
76 72- 148 Neil Holman (Pro)
77 71- 148 James Dimond (Am)
73 75- 148 Adam Bridgewater (Am)
77 72- 149 Tom Woodhouse (Am)
75 76- 151 Matthew Lockey (Am)
75 78- 153 Iain Parker (Pro)
76 77- 153 Ben Martin (Pro)

Chris Gill - Devon Open Champion
with Captain Iain Parker

The Devon Open was played this Sunday on the Championship East Course at Saunton. The event brought together the top amateur golfers in the county and a number of the leading professionals. The golf course which always presents a superb challenge was made even more difficult by a strong wind and the dense clinging rough. The 36 hole event was always likely to see the cream rising to the top as anything less than total control of your golf ball was severely punished.

Winning total on the day was 145 and two of the most talented players in Devon, one professional and one amateur tied on this score. Chris Gill who is in superb form on the West Region Pro AM circuit this season added a superb second round 70 to his opening 75 and tied home club amateur the left handed Jon White whose rounds were a morning 74 and a pm 71.

Both players at the conclusion of play made their way to the first tee for a sudden death play off and were joined by around fifty players and spectators. Jon who is current South West of England Stroke Play Champion and Chris who is the West Region Money List leader both looked relaxed and ready to play.
Chris made a great four at the 470 yard par four first play off hole after Jon had got into trouble after a poor tee shot.

Gill who from tee to green has a tour standard game, has been working exceptionally hard on every area of his game, and a return to his Exeter home club last year, alongside head pro Gary Milne seems to have been the catalyst for his much improved performances. He has secured sponsorship for an end of season tour school visit, and if he can take his confidence and form that he has shown locally to the bigger stage, perhaps Devon can again have a player competing at the highest level in Europe.

Jon White is part of a very strong Devon County Amateur side, and it was great to see so many of the counties first team taking part in this prestigious event. Both amateurs and professionals are hoping next year to play each other in a Ryder Cup style match, which on current form could prove a highlight of the Devon golf season. Devon amateur team are currently unbeaten in their channel league fixtures, and all the professionals many of whom have come through the same county team set up hope they can go all the way this year.

Ray Parker of the Devon Alliance organised all of the days events superbly and thanked Saunton Golf Club for giving up their course for the day, and the green keeping staff for presenting the course in it usual superb condition.