Exeter golfer wins Double Devon title

Following the launch week for the new golf course at Exeter Golf and Country Club, one of their long standing golf members is celebrating a historic double win at two of the South West’s most prestigious golf competitions.

Rick Pillow, who has been a member of the club for thirty four years and plays off a handicap of 4, has enjoyed a successful fortnight of golf winning two major senior titles. Rick’s win at the Devon Seniors Championship two weeks ago, was followed by him winning the South West Counties Seniors Strokeplay Championship last week. This is the first time a Devon player has ever held both titles.

At the South West Counties competition at Launceston Golf Club, 64 year old Rick won by two strokes, with Tim Aggett and Tony Allsopp in second and third place giving Devon players 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Rick won with rounds of 71 and 75. The competition featured the best golfers aged 55 years and over from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Earlier this month at East Devon Golf Club, Rick won the Devon Seniors Championship over 27 holes. Rick will go on to play in the Champion of Champions Final at the National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, which is the home of England Golf. The national competition takes place in September.

With the South West Counties win at Launceston, Rick and his Devon team mates have qualified for the English County Final for the third time in four years. This year’s event is to be held at Chipping Sodbury in October.

Rick said, “I am so proud to have won both of these regional golf competitions playing with and against my peers and friends. Being the first Devon golfer to be South West Counties Seniors Strokeplay Champion and the Devon Seniors Champion in the same year is simply fantastic. Both competitions were tough going as I was up against some incredibly strong and legendary golfers. Going into the final round at Launceston as the overnight leader was an extraordinary feeling which culminated in the best round of my golfing life. I am now looking forward to getting plenty of practise on our new 2016 course at Exeter Golf and Country Club in preparation for the two finals to come.”