Austin’s class shines at Thurlestone

Downes Crediton head professional Barry Austin always grabs the attention of his fellow Devon players, especially after spending a lengthy time off the course.

The former PGA in England and Wales (South West) Order of Merit winner produced one of the rounds of the season in the Devon PGA Winter series at Thurlestone.

On a superb sunny and warm day on a course in excellent condition the player regarded by many as the most talented in the county played in the final group and returned eight-under-par 63.

The bogey-free round started with a birdie, followed by another at the fourth and an eagle at the seventh when he drove the green for an outward nine of four-under-par. He then added four further birdies in five holes from the 12^th – making just a par on the 15^th.

After blowing the field apart he put his success partly down to being able to play golf in the sun and also to a recent lesson with European Tour coach James Ridyard from Bedford Golf Club.

Austin’s heroics relegated clubhouse leader Richard Woods (Dainton Park) to second. Woods looked to be the certain winner after recording a six-under 65. He said his new pre-shot routine was a key reason as it helped him retain focus as the pressure increased through his round.

A four-foot eagle putt on the 14^th and a birdie putt of similar distance on the 17^th were the highlights of his impressive display.

Royal North Devon's head professional Iain Parker retains his lead at the top of the CP and DC Construction Ltd Order of merit with the event merit at Tavistock in three weeks. He is still being pursued by Yelverton’s Adam Frayne and Sidmouth’s Kevin Harper

The leading 16 players qualify for the Matchplay Championships.