Jon Langmead showed no adverse effects from a recent eye operation to share top spot in the Devon PGA medal at Libberton.

The Exminster director of golf shot a level par 73, helped by a 30-yard chip for a birdie on the 16th. The score was matched by playing partner Iain Parker (Royal North Devon) on a cold windy day.

The course played long in the conditions. "I needed seven three-woods off the fairway that was how testing it was," said Parker who has taken over from Stuart Disney as press officer for the county PGA.

Langmead, pictured, who has been suffering from severe astigmatism, has a second and, he hopes, final operation at the end of the golf season.

With a new set of irons, he is now preparing to play in both the BMW International at Wentworth and the Celtic Manor Wales Open this year after finishing runner-up in the West Region order of merit for a second year.

Mark Jarrett, the Teignmouth assistant, achieved his best finish in second on 74, followed by Jody Bee (Exminster), Richard Daly (Dawlish) and Sean Mason (Teignmouth) on 75.

Okehampton's Ashley Moon still leads the order or merit, despite a worst-of-the-year 85. The leading 16 take part in the matchplay championship at Exeter and the top 10 take on Cornwall.