Fixtures/Results

Scoring was nothing short of spectacular at Okehampton for the second of the winter order of merit series in the Devon PGA. Although not a long course Okehampton presents a whole different set of challenges for the scratch golfer. Extremely fast and sloping greens normally mean that a low score is very hard to come by. Accuracy with approach shots is essential and imagination around the greens is needed. This was the combination used by winning pro on the day the `in form` Andy Norman.

Andy who won last years event at Okehampton on his first visit to the course started with 3 consecutive birdie threes. His short iron approaches on each occasion being of the highest standard. His round which contained two bogeys included 11 threes in total. In his last round at Downes Crediton he had 10 three's, some of his fellow pro's now call Andy the Devon par 3's champion. In reality these figures highlight Andy's impressive accuracy with his irons. His best shot of the day was a full wedge to the ninth hole which lipped out and finished one inch from the cup. He has this year played a full schedule of West Region events and has now found the consistency and confidence to post really low scores. Andy commented "the course was in great condition and I love the challenge of the severe sloping greens." He added that if he was looking for a club to join as a member Okehampton would be top of his list !!

He was not alone in playing superbly on the day with home professional Ashley Moon carding a 4 under par 64. This score looked unlikely after his opening tee shot which barely cleared the ladies tee. Moon lost his footing on his drive. He commented "it was probably my worst tee shot ever at Okehampton." About 20 of his club members who were watching from the clubhouse agreed!

Ashley really found his best form on the greens and holed a number of superb sloping putts.He always putt`s well when the greens are at their fastest and when you get above the hole at Okehampton you might as well be at Augusta.
In third place on 65 was Robin Goodey from Teignmouth reinforcing his good form of late. Robin seems to have recovered from a tough season, and has regained his scoring consistency.

The Okehampton club which has undergone a massive extension and refurbishment over the last year is always a pleasure to play, the pro's commented that the club has really moved forward since last year's event.Now with possibly the best Pro Shop in the county.

Devon PGA captain and home pro Ashley Moon praised the green keeper for his efforts in presenting the course in superb condition and looked forward to returning next season.