Fixtures/Results

The Devon County PGA held their 5th Event of the winter season at Libbaton Golf Club this Thursday. Weather on the day was extremely testing in keeping with the recent stormy conditions, this though was extra tough, perhaps the worst wind day of the year, gusting at times between 45/55 mph.

The golf course though was in remarkable condition, despite the recent heavy rainfall totals, it was certainly playing its full length. Several holes which were playing into the wind were almost out of reach in regulation figures, only ball striking of the highest quality would give the players a chance of a score near to par, in fact on the day only 5 players managed to break 80, almost unheard of in pro golf.

There was one player who found a way to beat the conditions, very simple just play great golf!! That player was West Region No1 Chris Gill from Exeter, Chris shot an incredible 2 under par 71, and won by 5 shots the largest winning margin in a Devon Medal any of the Pro`s could remember. He dropped only one shot in his round on a day when several players had score cards littered with huge numbers, 7s 8s 9s and 10s were seen for the first time in years.

Gill`s round was arguably one of the best he has played this year and after his fellow Pro`s had stopped shaking their heads in disbelief, they were able to laugh at some of their own misfortunes. Golf bags were among the causalities, stand bags `did not stand` trolleys blew over and branches were removed from trees.

Chris hit many wonderful shots, but his ability with the driver, both off the tee and off the deck, were his best assets, his shot off the day was a `stinger 3 wood` into the 203yd par three 17th, but in reality to be able to control your ball on a day like this was impressive. Nobody in West Country golf controls their ball flight with the driver better than Gill. He holed nothing of any length on the greens, which makes the score a real ball striker`s day.

In second spot with 76 was Thurlstone`s Peter Mitchell who has turned into something of a `wind specialist` and after the weather we have been experiencing in the last half dozen tournaments that is a great thing to be good at!!

In third place on 77 it was great to see Torquay`s experienced Head Pro Martin Ruth getting into the prize list. Martin has worked hard on his golf over the last few seasons and is now starting to see the reward coming. All the professionals who played on the day, will remember this event, lets hope the storms give us a chance to play some enjoyable winter golf in the remaining events in the Order of Merit events.

Devon PGA Vice Captain Robin Goodey, thanked Libbaton for hosting the event, and presented home club Pro David Jeffs, with a cheque to help the club with their junior development programme.