Four of the best Welsh amateur golfers will get the chance
to test themselves in the South America Amateur Championship next week, thanks
to support from golf's governing body the R&A.
It is part of the R&A's efforts to support golf
worldwide, but also an outstanding opportunity for Gemma Bradbury (Cottrell
Park), Jessica Evans (Newport), Lee Jones (Conwy) and Alastair Jones (Radyr),
to take on an international field.
The Welsh group will be competing in Barranquilla, on
Colombia’s North coast, from 22 – 25 January, facing 72 holes of stroke play
for the men’s and women’s titles.
“This is a great opportunity for four of our best up and
coming golfers in Wales,” said Golf Union of Wales director of performance Ben
Waterhouse.
“All four are Wales internationals, so this exposure on the
international stage is a vital part of their development, especially this early
in the season.
“We could not do it without the support of the R&A,
while the presence of several players from outside South America also helps
boost the profile ahead of golf's return to the Olympics at the 2016 Rio
Games.”
It is a relatively new event on the amateur circuit, but it
is a championship that continues to grow in stature thanks to generous backing
from The R&A which has supported the event since 2005.
The R&A has supported various amateur golf events in
South America for the past 10 years, most notably the Copa los Andes, a men’s
and women’s team event which started in 1944 and which has enjoyed annual
R&A support since 2002.
For the second year for the South American Amateur, the
R&A has offered subsidies to up to 30 non-South American players, helping
with flights and entry fees.
“The South American Amateur is a tremendously competitive
and enjoyable event for players, officials and spectators, and one which we’re
proud to support,” said The R&A’s Executive Director – Working for Golf,
Duncan Weir.
“We’re committed to supporting golf worldwide and we want to
help grow the South American Amateur to become one of the premier amateur
events around the world.
“The total investment from The R&A into this year’s championship
is in the region of £75,000, ensuring a truly international field enjoy a
competitive opportunity at this time of year.
“It's a pleasure to be able to support this celebration of
elite South American golf, but it's just as rewarding to see the strides that
have been made in the game at grassroots level.
“While Colombia has a population of 47 million and only 51
golf courses, golf in South America continues to evolve. R&A grants are
being used to encourage greater participation and develop promising South
American golfers.”
Go to www.federacioncolombianadegolf.com for more
information on the South American Amateur Championship.
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