**A Season of Intense Competition and a New Champion**
The Footgolf Devon season-long competition brought together five groups of talented players, each vying for a place in the knockout stages and ultimately the coveted title of Footgolf Devon match-play champion. The excitement unfolded in a series of gripping matches that showcased skill, determination, and camaraderie, culminating in an exhilarating final. With five groups initially formed, each with its own set of challenges, we witnessed the emergence of rising stars alongside seasoned pros, making this year’s competition truly unforgettable.
GROUP STAGES
Group 1 kicked off the season with a few twists of fate. Originally consisting of Justin Yeates, Sam Evans, Tony Follett, Rob Mucklow, and Tomas Brown. It was Tomas Brown that seized the opportunity and claimed the top spot, demonstrating impressive consistency and skill throughout the matches. Justin Yeates put in a solid performance to secure second place, while Tony Follett, known for his competitive spirit, fought to scrape into the knockout stages, finishing third.
Group 2 presented a mix of local and traveling talent with Marcus Lugg, Luke Phillips, Matt Capel, and Joe Carter. The group saw Talan Annear rise to prominence, securing top honors and making his presence felt in every match. Joe Carter, who impressively traveled from Dorset for every game, finished a commendable second. Meanwhile, Matt Capel clinched third place, sending shockwaves through the competition as Luke Phillips, a seasoned pro, surprisingly found himself on the sidelines, failing to qualify for the knockout rounds.
The competition truly heated up in Group 3, infamously dubbed the “group of death.” Featuring heavyweights like Gary Fisher, Steve Parry, Bobby Hopkinson, Alex Hill, and Chris Lewis, this group was always going to deliver high-stakes drama. Unfortunately, Chris Lewis had to withdraw after his first match against Steve Parry. Nevertheless, the group saw Gary Fisher emerge unscathed at the top, followed closely by Steve Parry and Bobby Hopkinson, who battled fiercely to secure third place. Alex Hill may have fallen just short, but his formidable gameplay didn’t go unnoticed.
Group 4 was also reduced to four players after Richard Pears had to withdraw. The contestants, Stephen and George Williams battled against Chris Hopton and Paul Hawkins in a gripping series of matches. Chris Hopton ultimately triumphed, demonstrating remarkable skill, with Paul Hawkins close behind in second place. Stephen Williams managed to take third, earning some well-deserved bragging rights over George.
In the final group, Group 5, Will Lugg showcased his remarkable talent, taking top honors while Callum Yeates followed closely in second place, and Ryan Downing secured third spot. Newcomers Mitch Pembleton and Nelly Wilkinson were eager to improve for the next season, showcasing the competitive spirit that defines the Footgolf Devon community.
LAST 16 KNOCKOUT STAGE
Advancing to the last 16, the stage was set for some thrilling match-ups. Bobby Hopkinson pushed past Tomas Brown in an intense playoff, while Tony Follett edged out Will Lugg, the under-16 wonderkid. Callum Yeates managed to sneak past Joe Carter, demonstrating a fierce competitive spirit that has become his trademark. Gary Fisher claimed victory over Ryan Downing, and Chris Hopton delivered a strong performance against Justin Yeates. Paul Hawkins set a precedent by cleverly overcoming Matt Capel, leading to an exciting quarter-final match where Steve Parry secured a free pass after Rob Mucklow’s withdrawal.
QUARTER FINALS
In the quarter-finals, Bobby Hopkinson faced a stubborn Tony Follett, while Gary Fisher showcased his prowess in a decisive victory against Callum Yeates. Talan Annear pulled off an upset by knocking out Chris Hopton, and Steve Parry managed to overcome Paul Hawkins, ensuring a place for all four players in the semifinals.
SEMI FINALS
The semifinals pitted Talan against Steve Parry and Bobby against Gary Fisher. In a tightly contested match, Talan emerged victorious over Parry, while Bobby continued to turn up the heat with a decisive victory against Fisher, setting the stage for an exciting all-Cornwall final.
MATCHPLAY FINAL
The final match between Bobby Hopkinson and Talan Annear was a riveting affair, with neither player willing to yield an inch for the first five or six holes. However, when Bobby took a one-hole lead, he showcased incredible resilience and skill, maintaining his advantage throughout. Despite Talan’s efforts to mount a comeback, it was too late; Bobby secured the title of Footgolf Devon match-play champion for 2024. In the end, Steve Parry claimed third place, with his performance solidifying his reputation in the Footgolf community.
Ultimately, this season of Footgolf Devon was not just about individual triumphs. It was a celebration of sportsmanship and a testament to the thriving community of players who inspire one another, pushing the boundaries of their skills. The competition’s journey has paved the way for newcomers and seasoned pros alike, ensuring an exciting future for the sport in Devon. With Bobby at the helm as champion, anticipation for the next season is already building, promising even more thrilling matches ahead.
