Tavistock hosts long-awaited DevonGolf showcase after weather delays

After two earlier washouts since its original October date, the much-anticipated competition finally got under way at Tavistock Golf Club, delivering a full day of top-class action across multiple categories.

Organised by DevonGolf, the Scratch & Handicap Stableford event proved far more than a single competition, bringing together club champions from across the county in what has become a true festival of golf. Men, women and juniors all competed, alongside the finals of the Men’s and Seniors’ Order of Merit, as well as a full programme of junior age-group contests.

Young players competed within their own brackets—Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18—ensuring fair competition across the board. In total, 19 prize vouchers were up for grabs across scratch and handicap divisions.

Among the standout performances, Will Farley of Torquay Golf Club and Lee Marels of Dartmouth Golf Club shared top honours as Champion of Champions. Marels also enjoyed further success, finishing joint first in the Men’s Order of Merit alongside James Pickard of East Devon Golf Club.

In other key results, Sam Dunn of Warren Golf Club claimed the Men’s Scratch title on Finals Day, while clubmate Tim Aggett topped the Senior Scratch standings. Mark Snape of Saunton Golf Club finished runner-up in that category, and Andy Wilson of Royal North Devon Golf Club took the Senior Handicap title.

The junior competitions also showcased emerging talent. Winners included Scott Rainton (U12, Stover Golf Club), Archie Griffiths (U14, Sidmouth Golf Club), Callum Cogavin (U16, Stover), and Josh Murphy (U18, Exeter Golf and Country Club). Joseph Aldous of Staddon Heights Golf Club secured the Boys’ Handicap Finals title.

In the girls’ events, Belle Tarr of Churston Golf Club delivered an outstanding performance, winning both the Girls’ Scratch and the Women’s Gross Finals Day titles. Handicap honours went to Emily Goddard (Royal North Devon) and Mia Johnstone-Davis (Stover).

In the women’s Champion of Champions category, Susie Carr of Teignmouth Golf Club took first place, with Keeley Clarke of Torquay finishing second.

Despite months of disruption due to the weather, the eventual staging of the event proved a resounding success, celebrating golfing talent from across Devon and rewarding the perseverance of all those who made it to the rescheduled competition.