Fixtures/Results

A record entry of 38 professionals gathered at Downes Crediton Golf Club for the first event in the Devon PGA Order of Merit series.

It was great to see everybody back together again after a busy summer season, with some new faces playing in their first order of merit event. The golf course was in superb condition and Andy Parker the course manager always makes a special effort when the pro's visit his club. The pins were set in testing positions, several close to the front of greens, this placed a premium on accurate iron play. Winning score on the day was brought home by Tiverton's assistant, the popular, David Curl with a 2 under par 68. This was David's first victory in a Devon event and his reward for the hard work he has put into his game over the last few years.

David loves playing in the events and has rarely missed an Order of Merit Medal. David puts his much improved form down to lots of hard work on the range, working on his rhythm and this has led to much increased confidence and self belief during tournaments. His two best shots of the day were a six iron to five feet on the tight par three 13th where the pin was cut just over the water for birdie, and a great chip in on the tough 17th for a birdie three.

Tied in second place were two of the best players in the County. Home Professional Barry Austin and Exeter's Touring Professional and West Region money leader Chris Gill. Both players shot a level par 70. Barry loves playing at his home course where you have to shape your tee shots to find the tree lined fairways. (See attached photo from Woodhall Spa, if anyone looks closely they will see a very famous current major winner in the background !) Chris who is now gearing up for the second stage of European Tour School, has played brilliantly all year and although his golf was slightly off colour on the day, he is still good enough on his poor days to take no more than par.

In fourth place on his own was another Devon player heading to second stage of European Qualifying school, Fingle Glen's Paul Hendriksen. Tied in fifth place on 72 were a group of six players which included West Region chairman Peter Laugher, Devon PGA Captain Iain Parker, the experienced Neil Holman and two of the best young assistants in the county, Jody Bee and amateur course record holder Mark Taylor, returning to his old club.

Also tied on 72, playing in his first Devon PGA medal was new professional Tom Hiscocks from Torquay. Tom who has just started his training with Martin Ruth at Torquay Golf Club is one of three new members of the Devon PGA and all look to be excellent prospects for the future. The other two Ben Martin from Hele Park and Jon Axford from Weymouth should gain a huge amount of experience competing regularly against some of the best pros in the West of England.

Devon PGA Captain Iain Parker thanked Downes Crediton Golf Club and presented home professional Barry Austin with a cheque for £74 to boost their junior development funds. The Devon PGA are great supporters of Junior golf, and every club that we visit, as a gesture of thanks for their hospitality receives a similar donation.