Fixtures/Results

Thirty six professionals gathered at a wind and rain lashed Teignmouth Golf Club this Thursday for the 8th Devon PGA Winter Medal. The course despite the dreadful conditions was just about playable, but the players had to contend with a number of temporary greens. This was going to be a day where experience and determination would surely come to the fore.

Low cloud and driving rain halted play for the early starters, with several groups having to return to the clubhouse when play was suspended. The cloud cleared after half an hour, and the players were able to return to the course.

The Devon professionals though are a resilient group, after not being able to complete the Yelverton event a fortnight before, they were determined to complete their rounds, and make the tournament a counting event towards the order of merit.

Even in these testing conditions the scoring was excellent. Leading score on the day on 1 under par were two of Devon's most `naturally talented` golfers who were playing together. They shared eleven birdies between them, and had a better ball score of 10 under par. Okehampton's Ashley Moon and Downes Crediton's Barry Austin always enjoy playing against each other and with their `power hitting` fireworks were always likely.

Their opening hole could not have been more different. Moon opened with a magnificent birdie three and Austin made a double bogey 6 on the converted par 5 hole. With a howling wind from the left, this opening tee shot caused more than one player difficulty on the day. Austin bounced back, and his unflappable temperament ensured that he approached the rest of the round in a positive manner. His shot of the day was a beautifully controlled nine iron to 2 feet for birdie on the par three 5th.

Moon after his brilliant start dropped a couple of careless shots, but bounced back on the long par three seventh hole, where he hit a five iron through the wind to five feet for a superb birdie. This was like picking up two shots on the field, as the pin was cut in a most treacherous high spot on the green to avoid flooding. He matched Austin all the way as they swapped birdies throughout the round and both completed their 18 holes in 66 shots.

In third place making a welcome return to form was the `very experienced` Tim McSherry from Yelverton. Tim who spends much of the season as a rules official at various tournaments, has found time to re dedicate himself to the game. After narrowly missing out on a win in a recent event in Majorca, this result will give him further encouragement to regain his form from previous years.

Tied in fourth place were two players from Royal North Devon, Head Professional, Iain Parker and Teaching Professional, Dan Wood. Parker who was playing in his last event as Devon PGA Captain was delighted to sign off with a good round, and Wood who has been working tremendously hard at his game, is now establishing himself in Devon Events as a player to watch.

Also tied in fourth was the ever consistent Chris Gill from Exeter who later that day picked up the `Peter Ward Trophy` recognising the most improved trainee professional in Devon. Chris has really `put in the effort` this season and at times, looked unbeatable in West Region events. Hard working Devon PGA secretary Robin Goodey who used to play art Teignmouth as an amateur was the other player tied in fourth place. Robin felt that the extra time in the `nets` during the fog delay worked wonders for his swing.

With four events remaining in the Winter OOM series, the days winners have established what could be a significant lead at the top of the order merit, separated only by one and half points, Ashley Moon retains his top position with Barry Austin hot on his heels. The race to make the top ten who will qualify to represent Devon in the match against Cornwall, is also `hotting up` with several players challenging to make the team.

Devon PGA Captain Iain Parker thanked Ian Evans, Teignmouth secretary ,for allowing the pros to compete over one of their favourite courses, and presented him with a cheque for £67 to help with their very active junior development programme at the club.

The Devon PGA AGM took place immediately after the prize giving, and Parker's last duty as captain was to hand over to fellow North Devon resident Andy Norman who is thoroughly looking forward to his new responsibilities. Andy who is originally from Oxford has been a great supporter of Devon Events over the last six years, and is very popular throughout the county.

Outgoing Captain Iain Parker hands over the Devon v Cornwall
Trophy which new Captain Andy Norman will hope to retain in October