Fixtures/Results

Thirty-five Devon Professionals made the long journey, mostly from South Devon, to compete at the championship links course of Royal North Devon. In consecutive weeks the pro`s have travelled ` Coast to Coast ` emphasising for many, just how `big` a County, Devon is in geographical term`s.

The weather was kind yet again, many of the players had called in early to check if play was possible, as they drove through `biblical rain` on their journey North, in fact overhead conditions were excellent and the golf course was in good shape. The club were kind enough to allow the pro`s to play from the Championship tee`s, and with a 2/3 club wind, scoring was always going to be tough, there were some tough pin positions which added to the challenge.

As in recent events scoring was again excellent, and the winning score on the day was posted by course specialist Sean Mason from Exeter, his 71 was further evidence that the former West Region No 1 is back to his best form. This result comes after last weeks win going ` Back to Back ` is a great confidence boost, after a season of highs and lows. Sean said " I love playing off the championship tee`s it is a real test, and great links course " His shot of the day was a superb rescue club from 210yds in to the 460yd 12th which was playing directly into the wind, he `creamed` the shot to 8ft and holed the putt for a great birdie.

In second place was Paul Hendriksen who loves the challenge of the championship tee`s at RND . Paul drove the ball well , but felt that his iron play was not up to his usual standard, he was though delighted with his course management and short game, which was `Razor Sharp ` he up and downed it several times, and with the tough pin`s this was the end of the game to have working. Paul commented " RND off the championship tee`s is proper golf "

Tied in third were home club Head Pro, Iain Parker, up and coming Devon player Tom Hiscok from Torquay, and new `Rookie Pro` Matt Lockey from Fngle Glenn.

Parker had a great round going, with four birdies from close range on the front nine, after another great iron shot to 2ft, for a further birdie on the tough 11th, a great score looked possible, but he `hit the brakes` on the greens and four three putts later, had to settle for a 73.

Tom who looks a great prospect for the future, continues to impress, and like all Assistant`s who are going through their intensive PGA Diploma Degree, it is never easy to keep the focus on improving their game. His good form is therefore a credit to his ability and commitment.

Matt who was playing in his first Professional event has made a great start, hopefully he will now feel part of the `scene` and enjoy competing in all of our event`s. Another player making an immediate impact, is Julia Norman who represents Stover Golf Club, Julia has just turned Professional, and brings the number of lady Professionals players in Devon PGA to five. The women play a course not less than 10% shorter than their male competitors and this seems to be a very good formula to allow them to compete on a fairly `level playing field`.

A couple of the players chose to combine some surfing before they played, with some of the best wave conditions of the year, at Westward Ho! They took the plunge, could this be the first time this has happened, and will it be repeated? With the next Medal at Saunton in two weeks time perhaps!

Robin Goodey, on behalf of the Devon PGA, thanked everybody at Royal North Devon for allowing the Pro`s to play at the club and handed over a cheque for £65 to boost the clubs junior development fund.

Also the Devon Team selected from last years top players, in the Order of Merit, will gather again at RND for the Ryder Cup style match against old adversaries from across the Tamar. `Team Devon` will be hoping to keep hold of the trophy, which they have won for the last seven seasons. Cornwall have assembled a very strong team to play this year, and a great match is in expected. Any spectators who want to attend and support the team will be very welcome, the match is scheduled for Wednesday the 4th of Nov with an early tee off . Five foursomes and 10 singles.