Thirty Devon County Professionals travelled to the South Coast for the fourth PGA Winter Medal of the season at the scenic Thurlestone Golf Club. Thurlestone, a favorite venue for many of the Pros, as always was in tremendous condition and with the sun out and only a light wind, scoring was good with nine players breaking par.

The player that shone brightest though was Kevin Harper from Sidmouth. Kevin, who travels to Spain for the second stage of the European Tour School at the end of the month, once again showed his class with 7 birdies and one bogey in his round of 6-under-par 65. As always, Kevin’s driving of the ball was imperious, meaning that he birdied all four par 5’s, but importantly on holes where his drives left short pitches or on the rare occasion he found trouble his wedge play left the ball nestled close to the flag. Of his seven birdies 5 were ‘tap- ins’ and the other 2 were putts holed from inside 10 feet.

Kevin’s 65 gave him a 2 shot winning margin over the ever improving James Pickard from Honiton. James who has won twice on the West Region circuit this season and looks a great prospect for the coming years played ‘solid golf’ having 6 birdies and 2 dropped shots in a round of 67. The highlight of the round being two sweetly struck drivers to the heart of the tough par five 12th followed by two putts for birdie.

Third place was shared, with both Barry Austin (Crediton) and Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton) posting 2 under par 69’s. Harper (2nd) and Pickard (4th) both move into the top four of the Order of Merit with Dan Hendriksen (Churston) still the leader.

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

Winner Kevin Harper with Captain Rob Selley