STEVE'S BUZZING

The seventh Winter Medal saw the Devon County Professionals travel to the South Coast to play the beautiful Churston Golf Club. Renowned for its wonderful rolling fairways and quick true greens, Churston did not disappoint and although there was only a light breeze scoring was far from easy.

Playing in only his ninth event since turning Professional, the former +1 handicap County player and Exeter Assistant, Steve Buzza put together a very fine round of 1 under par 69 to secure his maiden victory. Buzza who has a 1st Class Degree in Sports Science and is currently working towards his Phd in Sports Biomechanics as well as his Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies, fought back well from a double bogey on the par 3 eighth after playing the first seven holes in 1 under par. On the back nine he hit all 9 greens in regulation, and birdies at the 14th and 16th, courtesy of a fine wedge to 3 feet, put him 1 under par with just two holes to play. A solid 6 iron to the heart of the difficult 17th, followed by a regulation par at the 18th saw him post a 69, a score no one would catch.

Closest challenger was to be Hele Park Professional Laura Eastwood. Laura, who has been playing well through the Winter Series (currently 7th in O.O.M) and is planning to play the National WPGA Events in the coming season, played steadily, hitting lots of fairways and greens. Only a mis-hit chip late on in her round, which lead to a bogey on the 17th put her back to level par shooting 70 for second place.

In the fight for the Order of Merit Ashley Moon (Okehampton) has moved into a virtually unassailable lead extending his points tally at the top with another consistent performance scoring a 1 over par 71 to finish tied third with Chris Gill (Exeter) and Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton).

The shot of the day though belonged to Dan Balsom of Bovey Castle who managed the rarest of feats, a hole in one. A sweetly struck 8 iron never left the flag at the par 3 eighth before disappearing into the hole for his first ace as a Professional.

At the presentation, Devon PGA Captain, Duncan Arnold thanked Churston Golf Club for their hospitality and Head Greenkeeper Kelvin Millar and his staff for the wonderful order of the golf course.

Steve Buzza receives the winners cheque from Duncan Arnold