Pro-Ams

Team Scores

-14 Watertown Garage - Nick Horrocks (Plymouth Golf Centre)
-10 Captains Choice - Paul Johnston (Harrogate)
-9 Spot the Pro - Ashley Moon (Okehampton)
-9 Dreamers - Laura Eastwood (Tavistock)

Forty four teams gathered from all corners of Devon to compete at England's oldest and most historic golf course, Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! The event has quickly become one of the most popular Pro-Am's in the West Country.

The golf course, despite the unseasonally heavy rain was presented in fantastic condition. Very un-links like with lots of grass on the fairways and unusually for RND holding greens, which despite the rain putted superbly.

The weather on the day was kinder to the early starters which included eventual winner of the Pro individual prize, the experienced Tim McSherry from Yelverton. It was a definite advantage on the day to start before 12 o'clock as the wind strengthened later in the afternoon. His 8.09 am tee time had caused him some concern earlier in the week, but in fact proved a blessing in disguise!

McSherry played very well from tee to green but was particularly pleased with his work on the greens. He holed four putts of more than twenty feet and commented that his long putting was as good as he could remember. He was full of praise for the speed and consistency of the putting surfaces. He was equally delighted to pick up the winners prize generously donated by local member Tony Rutherford of £1000. One of the largest prizes in the West Country this year. In his winning speech Tim asked if he could book the 8.09 am tee time for the next 5 seasons!

In second place and by far the best score by an afternoon starter was Barry Austin from Downes Crediton, with a score of 69. This was the best afternoon round by five shots and proved once again that when the going gets tough the tough get going. Barry has had several great rounds at RND in the toughest of conditions, which have left his fellow professionals speechless. This was another great performance.

Tied in third place were Dominic Rehaag from Tavistock and the ever consistent Jon Langmead from Exminster. Dominic loves playing at RND and when you enjoy a course you normally score well. With one of the best swings in West Country golf most of his fellow professionals are amazed that he does not compete more regularly. Jon who always enjoys the challenge of Links golf commented that he had never seen the course in better condition in the last twenty years.

In the team competition local RND members came out on top. The winning team which included head greenkeeper Mark Evans playing off a handicap of 1, brother Peter Evans playing off 7 and last years club chairman Doug Bushby playing off 8 were lead by professional Nick Horrocks from Plymouth Golf Centre. They combined brilliantly for a 14 under par total, which was three ahead of the second placed team which included RND club captain Ted Tithecott.

Devon PGA captain Ashley Moon was full of praise for the event and commented that, as usual at RND, there had been a great atmosphere throughout the day, in and around the historic clubhouse. He thanked professionals Iain Parker and Mike Wilson for organising the event and hoped that his fellow pros would be able to return next year and compete at this great club again.