Fixtures/Results

Thirty five Pros made the long trip from the `comfort` of South Devon to compete in the fifth winter Order Of Merit Medal at England's oldest and most historic golf course. Royal North Devon was playing at it's most `brutal` with 40mph winds which deteriorated to horizontal rain for the later starters. The conditions were always going to present the biggest challenge on the day, and only those players who `knuckled down and relished the challenge` were likely to come home with a good score.

The winning score on the day was a remarkable 2 under par 70 from the `talented shot maker` from Exminster Jody Bee. Jody who loves shaping his shots when the conditions are at their most severe, started brilliantly with 4 birdies in the first four holes. His shot of the day was a 3 iron on the tough par four 2nd hole to two feet. This felt like picking up two shots on the field.

With the wind howling, the downwind holes out to the 8th were the holes that you really need to take advantage of, but even trying to control short iron approaches was tough, with the wind nearly ripping the flags from the holes. On the back nine, Jody hit three drivers off the deck, to keep the ball under the wind on some of the par four holes, which were out of reach for most players. He commented "that was probably some of the best golf I have ever played today, and although the score was only 2 under par, I reckon the real par on the day was something like 78."

In second place playing at the end of the field in the worst of the conditions was Exeter's touring professional Chris Gill. Chris who spent some time as an assistant at RND loves the challenge of links golf. His score of 1 under par 71 could have been even better. His round included 5 birdies but a costly error on the tough par three 14th where he made a double bogey from the edge of the green, cost him dearly.

Tied in third place, were Dan Wood (Royal North Devon) and David Jeffs from Libbaton. Both players have made `startling improvements` over the last six months. Dan who has worked tremendously hard on his game since turning professional, is now starting to see the rewards of all that effort, and his finish moved him up to sixth place in this seasons Order of Merit. David, who has been professional at Libbaton for over a year now has been using his new teaching device recently installed at his club, the `Explanar`. He credits much of his good form to spending hours on the device, grooving the perfect swing.

Tied in 5th place, were two popular professionals and it was great to see them in the prizes, West Region PGA Chairman Peter Laugher from Thurlestone and Duncan Arnold from Hele Park. Both are keen supporters of all Devon events , with Peter having the longest journey to the `wild north coast`.

Home club Head Professional Iain Parker and his Club Professional Michael Wilson both scored 75 and were pleased with their efforts, particularly Parker who was 3 over par after 7 holes.

As the season approaches its mid way point, the order of merit has a new leader, with Iain Parker RND just ahead of Jody Bee and Barry Austin. The next event is in two weeks time at East Devon our Christmas meeting.

Devon PGA Captain Iain Parker thanked his home club for their help with presenting the event and presented a cheque for £58 to help with their very active junior development programme.