Devon Features

Portugal Pro-Am

February 2009
Val da Pinta
Report by Sean Mason

I ended up winning the pro-am by 8 shots, but was =1st after the first round at Quinta do Lago on -3 with two others, with two more on -2. We then had a really tough 2nd day at Villa Sol with strong winds. I shot +5 here to end up in 2nd a shot behind Paul Wesselingh (+1) but one ahead of Ian Walley (+3). I had played really nicely the first couple days but not capitalized on the greens. A lot of puts slipping by, with no rewards for some good approaches.

The next two rounds, 3rd at Quinta do Lago (south course) again, my putting improved and the chances were taken. Shooting -6 in 3rd round and taking the lead in the individual by 3 shots at -4. Final round was at Oceanico Old Course (used to be called Villamora Old).

Sean Mason & his team
Pro-Am Champions

Knowing Paul Wesselingh’s (lying 2nd) experience and past achievements I knew I had to try and go low again and fortunately I got off to a flyer, -3 through 5, and -5 through 9. I then struggled slightly on the back nine but no bogeys and 1 birdie made another 66. In fact I didn’t have a bogey in the last 36holes. Haven’t done that in a while!

My team also did well, finishing 2nd, knocked out of top spot by the winning team shooting -22 in the final round to pip us by 1!! We had a great week and I was only a late invite due to a pro having to pull out last minute, so not sure if I’ll be allowed back next year?!

All the courses were superb despite some torrential rain during the first couple of days. It was a very well run event headed by Ian Walley and Paul Wesselingh from the Derbyshire PGA and Richard Hudson from Link Events Golf who organized the pro-am package, hotel, courses, car hire etc.

I thanked all the organizers in my speech along with my team, whom I only met the evening before we flew to the Algarve. I thanked all the amateurs for supporting the pro-am, which has to be one of the biggest county pro-am’s at 22 teams. I also mentioned that I’d like to come back and play next year to defend, as it had been suggested in an earlier speech I might be overlooked for an invite as I romped the field this year!

Move to Exeter
Sean Mason one of Devon's leading professional players has moved from Teign Valley this week, and will now represent Exeter Golf and Country Club in tournaments throughout the country. Sean thanked Teign Valley for their support over the last two seasons, which saw him claim number one spot in the West Region Order of Merit, winning tournaments and pro ams throughout the West Country. Sean's last success under the Teign Valley banner was a fantastic win in the Derbyshire PGA Overseas Pro Am.

Sean was delighted to regain top form after a season spent reconstructing his golf swing under the guiding eye of Exeter Head Pro Gary Milne. The field for the event contained several top class tournament professionals and to beat the field by eight shots was a superb effort.

Sean now looks forward to taking his best form into the summer season, and hopes to benefit from the superb practice and short game facilities at Exeter. Golf manager at Exeter. Craig Townsend welcomed Sean on board and commented "we have one of the strongest line ups of any West Country Club representing us in tournaments, with Chris Gill and Sean playing full time this season Exeter Golf and Country Club chould always be featuring near the top of the leaderboards." Head Pro Gary Milne added "it will be good to have Sean around, and hopefully he and Gilly can push each other on to achieving their ultimate goal of a place on the European Tour."