Thirty two teams from all over Devon played in the annual Dartmouth
Golf and Country Club Pro Am tournament. The golf course which,
is
one of
the most challenging
in the South West of England was in superb condition despite exceptionally heavy
rain the day before. The green keepers pulled out all the stops to get the golf
course playable. The day's play was organised superbly by home pro Rob Glazier
and Tony Chappell.
Main sponsor on the day was Steve Tozer from "Civil Solutions". Steve
also played on the day and picked up the nearest the pin prize with a great shot
on the fifth hole.
Four players tied for the best pro score on the day on 2 under par 70. Early
starter Jon Langmead from Exminster was first to post this score followed by
a late flurry of good scoring with Chris Gill (Exeter), Iain Parker (Royal North
Devon) and Paul Hendriksen (Fingle Glen) all playing in the last three groups
on the course.
Jon who has hit an excellent run of form is pleased with his all round game.
He adopted a slightly more conservative course strategy, but still managed five
birdies in his round. This is Jon's second consecutive Devon Pro Am win and although
he has less time to practice these days, he is still a force in Devon Golf.
Exeter's Chris Gill who has just completed his second year PGA exams, recovered
from a shaky start in the worst of the weather. His long game was slightly off
colour, and he hit only seven greens during his round. This meant he had to rely
heavily on his short game armoury. He feels the new short game practice area
at his home club has really helped sharpen this area of his game.
Royal North Devon's Head Pro Iain Parker, surprised many with a return to his
best form. He also chipped and putted beautifully. He hit three mid irons stone
dead for birdies and finished with a four iron to ten feet on Dartmouth's treacherous
18th par three hole for a closing two. Parker, who has been working hard on his
game this month was delighted to be back in the winners circle.
Making up the top four was Fingle Glen's tournament pro Paul Hendriksen. Paul
who has been playing consistently well on this seasons Euro Pro Tour, always
likes visiting Dartmouth. A club where he was once a member for a couple of seasons,
like many of the other professionals he loves the challenge of the golf course
which requires powerful and accurate ball striking.
In the team event Dan Leins from Churston brought home the winning team of Stuart
Prior, Dominic Crawley and Trevor Cornish.
They just piped the team lead by Ross Troake also on 11 under with a fantastic
run on the back nine. On the 13th hole Trevor Cornish holed a full nine iron
for an eagle two. Unbelievably on the very next hole, Dominic holed a full wedge
for a birdie and in three holes the players picked up ten shots to par. They
were delighted with the days golf and headed back to Churston to celebrate.
Ted Kimpton who plays at Exminster had a hole in one and was delighted to buy
his playing partners a round of drinks at the bar afterwards.
Devon PGA captain Iain Parker thanked Dartmouth Captain Terry Keen for the clubs
hospitality and looked forward to returning next year.
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