03/06/2026
Footgolf Devon LEAGUE NIGHT 1 – 29th MAY 2026
The 2026 Footgolf Devon League kicked off in spectacular style on Friday, May 29th, and what a fantastic evening it was! The field, a harmonious blend of seasoned players and enthusiastic newcomers, set the stage for an exciting season that promises plenty of drama, skill, and camaraderie. With the sun shining brightly over the course, participants were treated to an unforgettable opening round that hinted at the thrilling competition to come.
With the reigning champion, Paul Hawkins absent for the 1st league Match who was going to stamp a claim on claiming the title for 2026?
Could it be last year’s runner up Stuart Pears (PZ), third place Tony Follett (The Force), 2023 Champion Luke Phillips or a new face to challenge for the podium? 14 players lined the course in 4 groups including some new faces taking the opportunity to play Footgolf free for the first time.
The experienced group of PZ, Nelly Wilkinson, Luke Phillips & Justin Yeates took to the course first in group one. And it was DeJa vue with PZ making a blistering start as he did on the opening night the previous year. PZ carved up the course with a bogey free round and six birdies to post a leading score of 60 (-6). Not to be out done England development player Nelly matched pz’s bogey free round with some outstanding play to take the joint best score of the night. Luke & Justin showed a little fatigue after their 2nd match in 3 nights but posted scores of 63 (-3) and 67 (+1) respectively.
Group 2 contained a fountain of youth and all newcomers to the Footgolf Devon league. The enthusiastic Finn Croft was the groups outstanding player setting the field of dreams alight with 3 eagles including a hole in 1 on hole 5 with the roar of delight reverberating around the course. Finn lead the way in the group with a score of 71(+5) and was followed by the big hitting Matt Follett (76) who managed to drive his tee shot on to the green of hole 9 only to be outdone by Finn who sunk a “worldie” for an eagle. Karan Rupesh and Henry Simpson made up the group scoring 84 and 97 each for the 18 holes, with smiles all round, and we hope to see them all back again soon to try and better their scores.
Group 3 was the group of experience contain all regular senior players & familiar faces from past season. Steve Williams looked like a player who played every week considering he hadn’t kicked a ball since the end of the last season. 2 eagles on the 1st bogey free nine holes set the pace, whilst Tony Follett (Force) was faltering trying to find form. Meanwhile Andrew Hillier was quietly and calmy putting together a very solid round playing with some exquisite play. The lead in the group changed hands numerous times with the force sinking 8 birdies (Including 2 on his favourite hole 4) but then dropping shots to allow Steve to share the lead in the group with both scoring 63 (-3). Andrew finished an excellent round with a 65 (-1)
Group four was also a ding d**g affair with regulars and friends from 2025 Jay Woodward, Joe Hawkins & Mike Jones. The tension and concentration was clear to see as all three players continued where they left off the previous season showing that they have studied the course well to plot their route around the course. Jay won the group with a 67 (+1) closely followed by Joe & Mike with 70 (+4)
However, PZ & Nelly won the night overall sharing the spoils with a score of -6, showcasing their intent and skill and setting the standard for the rest of the season. 3 players (Luke, Steve and the force) finished in joint 3rd place with 63 (-3), with Steve and the force sharing the lead in the seniors (Over 45’s) category.
But one of the highlights of the night was from newcomer Finn Croft with a hole in 1 and 2 more eagles showcasing his potential to become an emerging talent in Footgolf.
With the season just beginning, it is clear that the 2026 Footgolf Devon League has all the makings of an exhilarating competition. The sense of community, the encouragement of competition, and the shared joy of the game were on full display under the glowing Devon sunshine. Participants exhibited both formidable talent and commendable sportsmanship, creating an atmosphere that is inviting for players of all levels, and we look forward to the next league night on June 12th
