THE semi-finals of this year?s South West of England foursomes competition were played in cold and blustery conditions, hardly conducive to good golf.
Churston professional Neil Holman and his partner Emma Frain were 3 up after the sixth hole, but their opponents, Simon Gilder and Rob Gawman from Tavistock, pegged them back with some long birdie range putts, notably on the ninth and 14th holes.
Their opponents? putters reflected the cold weather, and short putts were not going in. Holman and Frain 3 putted the 15th, but were still 1 up in the match going up the 16th. On the 16th the Tavistock pair won the hole with a 4 net 3 to go all square, then won the match with a 5 on the 18th hole.
In the other semi-final Barry Austin and Sue Pearman from Teign Valley never looked like losing. After a nervous start on both sides Austin and Pearman won the second hole with a 5. Barry?s length off the tee, and Sue?s reliable short game ensured they were never troubled, particularly with 3 shots being given to them. The 13th hole, the most difficult on the course, saw both sides getting a birdie, which is remarkable for the all-male pair, who play off a tee 120 yards further back.
Austin and Pearman won 3 and 2, to book their place in the final, and win Barry the £1,000 professional?s prize.
In the plate semi-final Miss Kerry and Mrs Nicky Gawman received a walk-over after one of their opponents was stranded in Italy.
In the other match G Dennis and W Wakley, from Tavistock, beat P Gall and V Mitchell, from China Fleet, 1 up.
The finals take place on February 16 when the Plate Final and 3/8th place play-offs will also be played; spectators are welcome, when an exhibition of high standard golf will be guaranteed.
l THE Devon County PGA held their latest event in the Winter Medal Series on Thursday at Dawlish Warren.
On a bitterly cold and windy day, and with only 17 holes in play, Stuart Disney (Torquay) recorded his first win of the winter series with a 3 over par round of 68. He won by one shot from Tim McSherry (Yelverton) and Jon Langmead (Hele Park) with 69.
The professionals found the Warren course to be in superb condition, with excellent putting surfaces.
The top 16 from the Order of Merit qualify to play in the DCPGA Matchplay Championship at Exeter in March. With four events left, Duncan Giblett (East Devon) leads the order of merit. Stuart?s win hoisted him up to fourth position. The top ten also qualify to represent Devon against arch rivals Cornwall in the annual match.