Parker extends Devon lead

Iain Parker extended his lead in the CP and DC Construction Devon PGA Order of Merit after taking top spot in the first medal of the New Year at year at Teignmouth Golf Club.

The veteran Royal North Devon professional’s 72 was matched by Adam Frayne (Yelverton).

It was Parker’s second win of the season following victory in the season-opener at Teign Valley. The season has been disrupted by the weather as the two previous outings at Yelverton and Churston were postponed.

Parker (above) takes a 20-point lead into the final two fixtures at Thurlestone and Tavistock.  

Playing over a slightly re-jigged course due to recent storm damage, strong winds and heavy outbreaks of rain made scoring difficult. Parker offset three birdies and an eagle with a couple of double bogeys and two short misses for par.

“I played pretty solid all day with a couple of exceptions but really just tried to grind out pars and pick up shots if and when the chances presented themselves,” he said.

His shot of the day was his drive on the short par four 17th followed by a four-foot putt for eagle.

Frayne recovered from a bad start before he had even stepped on to the course.  He arrived without his golf shoes. But playing partner Kevin Harper (Honiton) came to the rescue by lending his spare pair. Then he made his only birdie on the opening hole with a well-controlled long iron under the wind to 12 feet.

Mike Cayliss (Dainton Park) and Neil Holman (Torbay Driving Range) tied for third on 73, one better than Richard Woods (Dainton Park) and Ben Hiscock (Torquay).