The tension in the air was palpable as players from across the region assembled for the eagerly anticipated Footgolf Devon League Final. Set against the picturesque backdrop of a freshly cut course, anticipation sparked enthusiasm among players and fans alike. It was not just any day on the greens; this was the culmination of a season’s dedication, skill, and spirit, with multiple championships up for grabs, including the overall league title, and competitive divisions for over 45s, newcomers, under-16s, and under-12s.
**The Under Twelves: Jake Cottrell’s Championship Mentality**
In the under-12 category, a talented young player, Jake Cottrell, proved his championship mettle. Leading the league all season, he started on -8, with close competitors Max Alford at -6 and Jaydan Hawkins trailing at -5. Cottrell displayed resilience and poise, maintaining his lead throughout the competition. Despite some daring efforts from Max and Jadyan, who both threatened to break through, Cottrell showcased exceptional skill and strategy. Nerves of steel served him well, and as he maneuvered through each hole with precision, Cottrell cemented his status as the under-twelves Footgolf Devon league champion for the second consecutive year. His performance was not merely about winning; it was a demonstration of hard work paying off and an example of sportsmanship and determination. The mini-comp for the under 12’s was a nearest the pin challenge on Hole 14. It was Jaydan Hawkins who teed off closest to the pin and won a Ipro Football with his precision with the ball
**Under Sixteens: A Showdown Between George Williams and Elijah Hiller**
The under-16s division also brought plenty of excitement, With Will Lugg unable to compete, it with George Williams entering the finals with a slim two-shot lead over Elijah Hiller. The narrative of the night unfolded into a thrilling two-way shootout; both players fought valiantly for the title. Hiller adopted an aggressive strategy, producing one of his finest rounds of the season. Yet, George, with a combination of skill and composure, played like the seasoned champion he is. At the close of the competition, it was George Williams who reigned supreme, claiming the title of the 2024 under-16 champion. His ability to withstand the pressure and emerge victorious against a fierce rival underscored the importance of resilience in the face of challenge.
**Over 45s: Paul Hawkins Emerges Triumphant**
In the over-45 category, the seasoned competitors put on a stellar display of strategy and skill. Tony Follett started strong throughout the season, only to find himself overtaken by Paul Hawkins during a pivotal August Bank Holiday. With a strong showing on finals night, Hawkins capitalised on the opportunity presented to him, finishing first within this category, with Tony in second spot.
With Hawkins securing his deserved victory, the nail-biting battle for third place saw Steve Williams narrowly edge out Andrew Hiller. The podium for the over-45s category reflected a mix of tenacity and sheer will, with Paul Hawkins emerging as the champion—the culmination of months of hard work and concentration.
**Newcomers: Ryan Downing’s Record-Breaking Return**
The newcomers category held its own excitement, featuring a closely-contested competition among Ryan Downing, Andrew Hiller, and Elijah Hiller. Making a triumphant return to Footgolf Devon, Ryan Downing exhibited sparkling form, finishing the first nine holes with a spectacular 27, just shy of the course record. His impressive performance galvanized the group, although both Andrew and Elijah pushed him hard. In the end, Ryan Downing claimed the newcomer title for 2024, edging out Andrew, who secured bragging rights over his son Elijah in a tight showdown. Ryan’s return to form exemplified the spirit of the event: no matter how long out the game, there’s always a chance for a remarkable comeback.
**The Open Championship: A Battle of Titans**
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, Paul Hawkins entered with significant momentum. Having topped the season long league, he commenced the match on an impressive -8, thanks to the unique FedEx cup/play format. In a fierce contest for supremacy, Hawkins had Steve Parry close behind at -6 and Chris Hopton fiercely vying for supremacy in third. The stage was set.
The freshly manicured course presented a level playing field. While Hawkins had the mathematical edge, the pressure of finality loomed large as young upstarts and seasoned veterans alike teed off in pursuit of glory. Despite Hawkins’ excellent form, the tightly contested nature of the matches ensured that anything was possible. Each shot carried the weight of expectation and the potential for chaos, and as the players journeyed through the 18 holes on Finals Night, the stakes continued to rise.
As the competition commenced, Hawkins felt the weight of expectation upon him. He quickly discovered, however, that the stakes set the stage for drama, and the nerves were evident among all competitors. Tony Follett became an early threat, clawing back two shots on Hawkins after the first two holes—signaling his intent to upset the leader. Meanwhile, both Steve Parry and Chris Hopton managed to trim the gap to just one shot, setting up a thrilling contest.
As the first half unfolded, Isaac began to make a significant charge on the leaderboard, posting an impressive score of 29 on the front nine—putting himself firmly in contention and showcasing his talent. However, the fortunes of others fluctuated, with Parry struggling to find his rhythm. A series of errors, including a bogey on hole three and six and then a seven on hole 7 after going out of bounds twice left him reeling and unable to challenge for the lead.
In contrast, Paul Hawkins showed composure under pressure, closing the front nine at 2 under par. Yet it was newcomer Ryan Downing who turned heads and made waves with a stunning score of 27, laying down an impressive marker that raised eyebrows and intensified the race for the championship. In the first group of players, Elijah and Andrew Hiller showcased their skills, each scoring 32, while George Williams closely trailed with a score of 33. Gary Fisher contributed to the interesting leaderboard dynamics with a solid 30, though hot on his heels with two-shots back was Steve Williams, who ended the front nine at 32. Meanwhile, Jamie Cottrell’s 35 left him with work to do.
As players made their way to the halfway point, excitement brewed for the final act of the tournament. Chris Hopten and Steve Parry struggled to mount any significant challenge against Hawkins, both finishing their rounds equally with a score of 68—much to their disappointment. Follett continued to pressure Hawkins, but ended his challenge with a score of 62—a symbol of how tightly contested the playoffs were. Steve Williams demonstrated consistent form, shooting two shots better on his back nine to finish with a respectable 62 overall.
In a remarkable resurgence, Andy Isaac and Gary Fisher proved to be rising stars, both putting themselves firmly in podium contention. Isaac fired a back nine of 30, totaling 59, while Fisher blazed a trail with an incredible 28, finishing just four shots behind the newly crowned champion. Meanwhile, Elijah Hiller struggled to keep pace with his father Andrew and George Williams, finishing with a score of 65, while Andrew and George both ended their rounds at 64.
As the final scores trickled in, Ryan Downing emerged with a personal best of 58, signaling that he would be an important player to watch in the future. Yet, the spotlight ultimately belonged to Paul Hawkins, who achieved an astonishing 27 on his back nine—a performance devoid of bogeys that cemented his status in Footgolf Devon history. With this performance, Hawkins became an uncatchable force, and his name was etched onto the Footgolf Devon Shield amidst cheers and applause.
The Footgolf Devon League Final lived up to its illustrious potential, transforming the Field of Dreams into a cauldron of competitive spirit and showcasing the resilience of its players. As fireworks lit up the evening sky, it became clear that this season would be fondly remembered, particularly the exploits of Paul Hawkins, the deserved champion of the Footgolf Devon League 2024.
The league has been running for 2 season’s now with 2 different winners . . . .we will be back for 2025 and you never know . . .your name could be on the Footgolf Devon Shield next year!
