Vine prospers at Dartmouth

Christian Vine won the first Devon PGA winter medal at Dartmouth despite taking a triple bogey seven on the tenth hole after an outstanding opening nine of three under par 33.

The Woodbury Park teaching professional and Devon PGA secretary dropped a shot at the first and later recovered with three further birdies before another bogey at the 17th, eventually signing for a 70.

But he was pressed all the way by Kevin Harper (East Devon) who produced the shot of the day when he eagled the 457-yard par four 14th to finish one behind.

They were the only pair to better par on a tough scoring day. Harry Mayers (Torbay Golf Centre) made two birdies and two bogeys in a steady par round to finish third.

David Sheppard, once a leading player in the region who now only plays local events, was fourth on 74, three ahead of Gary Milne (Exeter) and Richard Woods (Dainton Park).