Home win for Maddison

Home assistant Nicky Maddison warmed up for the new season by winning the latest Devon PGA medal on his home Saunton course.

He shot a flawless five-under-par 66 on the championship links with five birdies and 13 pars. No wonder he was well pleased with both the quality of his iron play and putting.

But he only just edged out Dan Hendriksen (Torquay) and Jack Venn (Boringdon Park) by one shot. Venn recorded seven birdies, more than anyone else on the day. Hendriksen, who was once an assistant at the club following his return from America, produced many with pinpoint iron shots.  

Exeter duo Ryan Pope and Tom Jessamine were the only other players to better par and shared fourth on 70. Jessamine kick-started his round with the only eagle of the day at the third hole and Pope showed consistency with 15 pars. 

Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) retained his lead in the Order of Merit and is now 19.5 points ahead of Pope with only the 36-hole final event remaining at Downes Crediton where double points are available.