On Sunday, September 29, a thrilling competitive atmosphere enveloped the picturesque Field of Dreams for the much-anticipated Footgolf Devon Open. The event attracted a field of 18 eager competitors, all vying for the prestigious Footgolf Devon Open Cup. Despite the wind howling and the challenging conditions, the rain held off, allowing participants to play 36 exhilarating holes of footgolf. With such a talented and diverse group of players, anticipation was palpable as they prepared to embark on their quest for glory.
As the competitors approached the first tee, the atmosphere was electric, heightened by the grand announcements of each player. The Footgolf Devon Open organisers introduced the participants in style, paving the way for an unforgettable day of athleticism and sportsmanship. Among the contenders were Chris Lewis and Andy Isaac, who dominated the first half of the tournament, both finishing the front 18 with an impressive score of -6. Hot on their heels was Richard Pears, just one shot behind, followed closely by the spirited Justin Yeates, who also displayed remarkable skill throughout the round.
In the chasing pack, Talan Annear and Luke Phillips, despite facing a few obstacles, kept their spirits high, although they found themselves trailing by five shots at that stage. The middle of the pack presented a medley of talent, including Luke Underwood, Tom Underwood, Steve Williams, and the tenacious Tony Follett, who sadly picked up a knee injury during practice but soldiered on valiantly.
As the first round came to a close and the players settled into leaderboard order, it was clear that the competition was fierce, yet the camaraderie fostered among players was just as noteworthy. Each athlete showcased not only their footgolf skills but also their sportsmanship, creating an invigorating atmosphere where friendly rivalries thrived.
The back 18 holes proved to be a pivotal moment, with the early leaders, Andy Isaac and Richard Pears, struggling to replicate their exceptional performances from the front. Conversely, Talan Annear and Luke Phillips took the tournament by storm, breaking the course record previously set at 26 by shooting a dazzling 25 over the back nine. This brilliant display rocketed both players into contention, igniting a passionate pursuit of the championship.
As the intense competition unfolded, the Underwood siblings, Tom and Luke, unfortunately, found themselves unable to advance, remaining mid-pack. Tony Follett’s injury rendered him unable to execute his usual form, which certainly impacted his chances. Meanwhile, George Williams staged a late but inspiring comeback, ultimately overtaking his father, Steve Williams, crafting a heartwarming tale of family rivalry infused with friendly competition.
Despite their efforts, Tyler Moore, Ivo Tzvetkov, and Nelly Wilkinson, along with course owner Sam Evans, struggled to gain ground and improve their positions as the tournament progressed. However, in footgolf, as in any sport, the spirit of the game is upheld by the collective determination and effort of every participant.
As the final holes approached, a palpable excitement filled the air as Luke Phillips made a charge toward the consistent leader, Chris Lewis. Both players had an outstanding score with Luke finishing on-14, the same as Chris who reached the penultimate hole, heightening the stakes dramatically. Luke’s hopes was resting on Chris encountering a bogey on the tough 18th hole, the pressure mounted.
However, displaying consistent skill and composure through the entirety of the tournament, Chris Lewis sank a remarkable birdie, elevating his final score to -15, which ultimately crowned him the first-ever Footgolf Devon Open Champion. His unwavering focus and strategic play were commendable, and he undoubtedly earned his place in the tournament’s history. Following closely behind, Justin Yeates secured a commendable third place with an impressive score of -10.
The inaugural Footgolf Devon Open proved to be an unforgettable event, encapsulating not only competition and skill but the passion that drives the sport. Amid challenging weather conditions and competitive tensions, the spirit of footgolf shone brightly, with each player contributing to a day filled with impeccable sportsmanship and camaraderie. Congratulations to Chris Lewis, the champion, and to all participants who made this event a resounding success. The anticipation for the next edition of the Footgolf Devon Open has already begun to build for 2025, promising another thrilling chapter in this exciting sport’s journey in Devon.
