Austin performs Devon double
22/04/2015
Barry Austin added the Devon PGA championship title to the Devon Alliance Kenyon Trophy with two outstanding rounds of four-under-par 65 at Exeter Golf and Country Club.
The Downes Crediton PGA Professional (right) made six birdies in each round and added an eagle two in the opener when he holed his second shot at the 415-yard eighth.
Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton) was six shots behind. He followed a level-par 69 with a two-under 67 aided by five birdies, three in succession from the 12th.
His brother Dan (Torquay) made nine birdies over two days to take third on 138 with two 69s, the second featuring a back nine of three-under 31. Nathan Gilpin (Torquay 70, 69) carded eight birdies and an eagle two at the 284-yard 14th for fourth spot on 139.
It was a championship of contrasts for Devon PGA secretary Christian Vine (Woodbury Park). He might have wondered whether it was going to be worthwhile returning for the second round after an opening 77.
But then he fired the best score of the event, despite starting with a bogey on the relatively easy opening hole. An eagle three at the third, birdies at six and seven followed by a trio from the 12th resulted in a five-under 64 and a share of fifth with Richard Woods (Dainton Park).
The event was sponsored by Low Carbon Expert Ltd of Exminster, whose managing director Steve Sheldon (left), an Exeter member, made the presentation.
