Devon Professionals travelled to the scenic Teignmouth Golf Club for the fifth medal of the season and the first of 2012. With 3 of the last 4 events having being cancelled due to inclement weather, it was good to be on the links and although the course was in fantastic condition for January, a stiff wind made scoring far from easy.

The two professionals who topped the pile, although in very different manners, were Peter Laugher of Thurlestone and Christian Vine from Axe Cliff, both scoring level par 70’s.

Peter was particularly pleased with his performance, his consistent driving and accurate iron play laying the foundations to his fine round, which but for a couple of untimely three putts could have given him sole possession of the win. His ‘shot of the day’, a sweetly struck 4 iron to 3 feet on the 195 yard 7th hole, gave him his second ‘two’ of the day, but bogeys at 10, 13 and 15 slowed his scoring. He finished strongly though, with birdies on 16 and 18, the latter with a 25 foot putt from the front edge of the green to end his round in style.

On the other hand, Christian did not feel he had his ‘A’ game but his day was about ‘making a score’ and commented ‘to have a joint victory when things are not quite right is very satisfying’. He was most pleased with his short game, turning a possible 3 shots into 2 on many occasions to keep his score going. His round consisted of 3 bogeys and 3 birdies the first birdie courtesy of a 40 foot ‘bomb’ across the 5th green and the last on the 16th where his chip hit the flag stopping a foot away.

This victory gave both players a boost up the Order of Merit, Peter moving up 9 spots from 20th to 11th and Christian breaking into the top 10, also up 9 places to 9th.

Downes Crediton Professional Barry Austin came home one shot back on 71 to finish in third and Ashley Moon of Okehampton ended tied 4th with three other players scoring 72 to further extend his lead in the Order of Merit.

At the presentation, Devon PGA Captain Rob Selley thanked Teignmouth Golf Club for their hospitality and Head Greenkeeper Justin Manester and his staff for the wonderful order of the golf course.

The Devon County PGA AGM followed the presentation and Rob Selley handed over Captaincy to Hele Park Professional Duncan Arnold.