Fixtures/Results

Last Thursday the cream of Devon Pro golf gathered at Exeter Golf and Country Club for the 10th Winter Order of Merit Medal. The golf course as usual at Exeter was in superb condition for this time of year. The greens which have firmed up in recent seasons putted superbly, conditions for scoring could not have been better with almost no wind and overcast damp conditions.

Winning professional on the day was the in form Paul Hendriksen (Fingle Glen). Paul compiled his winning total of 65 by "keeping out of trouble and taking advantage of the birdie opportunities". This sounds simple, but the reality is hours spent on the practice range, and the chipping and putting greens, make the game easy!! Paul has now won three of the last four Devon Medals and has again regained top spot in the Order on Merit. This time opening up what could be a significant 14 point lead.

His shots of the day came on the two consecutive short par four holes 13 and 14, where he launched drivers high onto the greens to set up easy two putt birdies. Paul feels perhaps more comfortable on tree lined courses where his good mental game and strategy can be used to the full. He rarely hits destructive shots these days and has worked hard over the last two seasons on the mental side of the game.

He is currently studying for his final PGA exams, to become a fully qualified Professional, and this is the only thing that is holding him back from working even harder on his game. Paul is hoping to compete next season on the Euro Pro Tour, if he can find a sponsor to back him. With his professional approach and dedication to the game any sponsor will receive full value. His ultimate goal is to gain a place on the main European Tour where he has twice fought his way through to the final stages.

In second spot was the talented Jody Bee from Exminster who continues to impress with his new found consistency this season, Jody is starting to believe in himself and fulfil his potential as pro golfer. Also in second was Christian Vine, attached to Axe Cliffe but who spends the summer season as a busy teaching/club professional in Austria. It was great to see Christian playing so well and living up to his nickname of "Doctor Golf".

It was also great to see home pro Gary Milne making a reappearance in a Devon PGA event. Gary, this years Devon Alliance Captain has been very busy with all his commitments which include coaching both fellow pros and some of the counties best young amateurs. When he gets the chance to play more regularly he can compete at the highest level with any of the younger guys. His score could have been several shots better as he knocked two balls out of bounds on consecutive holes!

The Order of Merit Table is still there for several players to grab but Hendriksen is now looking a strong favourite with a 14 point lead. Second to fifth place is extremely tight with only a handful of points separating the players.

Devon PGA captain Iain Parker (Royal North Devon) thanked everybody at Exeter for hosting the event particularly head greenkepper John Parr for presenting the golf course in such excellent condition.

With two events remaining in the season at Churston and Stover an exciting end to the winter season is in prospect.