Fixtures/Results

Thirty of the best professionals in the County, gathered at Thurlstone Golf Club this Thursday, for the second Devon PGA Order of Merit Medal. Thurlstone the most Southerly course in the County, is always a popular venue and seems to always provide great weather. This year was no different and with no wind the course`s defences were down. In keeping with recent events, the scoring on the day was `sensational` the greens this year were firmer and were putting very true, this was very much too the liking of all the players.

With conditions so favourable low scoring was always likely and two players `burned up` the course, Exeter`s Sean Mason and Downes Crediton`s Barry Austin. Both players are no strangers to the winners circle, Sean, who is now back to his very best form, was pleased with his all round game, but particularly his course management. He stood over a 67ft putt on the par five 14th 2 under par but left the green 4 under! It was the longest put he had holed all season and really kick started his round. Sean then birdied the next two and after a par on the 17th finished with a final birdie on 18, five under for the last 5 holes, great golf.

Barry, who has enjoyed a great run of form recently, is currently "47 under par for his last 8 events". This superb golf is no surprise to his fellow Pro`s, who all know how talented a player last year`s OOM winner is. After going back to his left to right ball flight last season, he has regained total control of his golf ball and he just `see`s the shot, and pulls the trigger` better than anyone in SW golf. He has also worked on a new putting `secret` which has brought great results on the greens. His 64 was compiled in effortless fashion and also included a dropped shot on the ninth.

In third place on 65 was the `experienced` Neil Holman from Torbay DR, a player also back in top form, Neil is hitting the ball better than ever and only a luke warm putter kept him from top spot. His long game, particularly his irons, were excellent all day, but he missed several chances for birdies.

In a tie for fourth was Iain Parker from Royal North Devon, who had the longest journey of the day. Iain commented "It is always a pleasure to arrive at Thurlstone, the views are the best in golf and the course has a really special feel about i". This was a view held by all the Pro`s who were very grateful to be given the chance to visit the club in such great condition.

Also on 67, and making his first start in a Devon County PGA event was Kevin Harper. Kevin representing Sidmouth is a former Euro Pro Tour `No 1`. He was pleased to catch up with old County pals and he adds further strength to an already buoyant Devon Pro scene.

Robin Goodey, on behalf of the Pro`s, thanked Thurlstone for staging the event and presented the Club`s Head Pro, Peter Laughter, with a healthy cheque, to further their junior development funds.