Ambassador Amy to encourage new women and girl golfers

Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year Amy Boulden is to help encourage the next generation of female golfers as a Golf Development Wales ambassador for the Women and Girls beginner scheme.

Any club signing up to join the beginner scheme will be in with a chance of winning an exclusive clinic with Boulden, one of the rising stars of European golf.

After coming through the ranks of the Golf Union of Wales system through to the top 20 on the Ladies European Tour, 21-year-old Boulden is hoping to inspire more successful Welsh talent in the future.

The product of Maesdu and Conwy clubs is to take on the new role as she also starts her first full season on the Ladies European Tour.

“I am excited about being the new Women and Girls Ambassador for Golf Development Wales,” said Boulden.

“This is a real honour for me having come through the amateur ranks playing for Wales and now playing professionally on the Ladies European Tour, achieving Rookie of the Year for 2014.

“Golf is a fantastic sport that has enriched my life since playing it from a young age and as part of my role as GDW ambassador sharing this experience is something I am very much looking forward to.

“Golf provides a number of skills to people of all ages including team work, social skills, communication, commitment, movement skills and fitness to name just a few all of which have helped me in personally and professionally.

“I would encourage anyone to take up this great sport and to show my commitment any club that runs a GDW beginner Women or Girls scheme in 2015 will be entered in to a prize draw to win a personal clinic with me at their club.”

Half the golf clubs in Wales run specific female beginner schemes, which shows the huge demand. 60 per cent of those people registered for New2Golf were women last year with several hundred getting involved with clubs.

“We hope that bringing Amy on board will allow us to further promote the scheme and get our clubs running even more beginner scheme’s in 2015,”said GDW Mid and West Wales development officer Stuart Finlay.

“We are delighted to have someone of Amy's growing stature in the game to help push this new scheme. She is the perfect example of someone who came through the Wales amateur teams and is now doing so well at the top level of European ladies golf.

“However this scheme is not just about finding stars of the future, it is also about enjoyment for women and girls of all ages.

“For the clubs there is the benefit of attracting more members through encouraging people to take up a sport for life while also demonstrating the benefits of club membership.”

To learn to play contact your local golf club or log on to the Golf Development Wales website at http://www.golfdevelopmentwales.org/beginner-coaching-schemes/

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Amy Boulden wins Ladies European Tour’s OMEGA Rookie of the Year Prize

Amy Boulden capped her first season as a professional by winning the Ladies European Tour’s OMEGA Rookie of the Year prize.

The 21-year-old from Llandudno in Wales led the rookie rankings heading into the OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters, the final tournament of the 2014. With her tied 24h place finish, she held off the challenge of her nearest rivals, Sally Watson of Scotland and Nicole Broch Larsen from Denmark, to earn a beautiful OMEGA Speedmaster chronograph with a white mother-of-pearl dial, a diamond-paved bezel and a white leather strap.  

“It’s been a really great first season on the Ladies European Tour,” said Boulden, who won the Association Suisse de Golf Ladies Open on the LET Access Series in May.

“It was one of my goals from when I turned pro, to win Rookie of the Year.  I thought it was going to be quite tough this year not having a full card.  I wasn't sure how many events I was going to be playing in but starting the year well has helped me a lot. It’s a real honour to win and join the prestigious list of former winners, including Laura Davies, Annika Sorenstam and Charley Hull.”

Boulden was one of the top performers in 2014 and recorded four top 10 finishes including a second place at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France.

She finished third at the Sberbank Golf Masters in the Czech Republic, fourth at the Ladies German Open presented by Marriott and 10^th at the Tenerife Open de España Femenino.

With season’s earnings of €83,982.17, she finished 18^th on the 2014 Order of Merit, five places ahead of the second placed rookie Watson.

The Ladies European Tour congratulates Amy on a fantastic start to her professional career.

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PGA pros vital to clubs - GUW chief

A leading figure in Welsh golf believes PGA Professionals hold the key to the long term success of golf clubs in Wales.

John Jermine, chairman of the Golf Union of Wales (GUW), has backed the skill and expertise of PGA pros in helping clubs build and sustain strong memberships.

The former chartered accountant, who is one of Wales’ most successful amateur golfers, also insisted that clubs need a triumvirate of pro, club secretary and junior organiser working closely together.

John Jermine

“I am convinced that unless clubs grasp the nettle and put in a PGA qualified professional they will never get the club where they want it to be,” said Jermine.

“At the GUW, we have some great examples of dramatic improvements made to clubs with the help of a PGA Professional.

“The secret going forward for most clubs, and the lifeblood of the future of clubs, is bringing new people into the game and, therefore, we need PGA pros who can teach in primary and secondary schools, get out into the community and coach people of all ages, whether young or old.

“A big opportunity is to attract the older generations who tend to have more time and who might be looking for a new sport.

“We have discovered through our research that people who become reasonably competent, fairly quickly tend to keep playing golf.

“The biggest loss of members to clubs are those who have been playing for a couple of years but haven’t got much better and as a result lose momentum and interest.

“When you have a PGA pro at a club playing an active part that doesn’t happen because they are always there to help them improve, play better golf and enjoy the game more.”

It’s in the area of junior golf too that Jermine feels pros can have a particularly significant impact.

“We’ve also discovered that young girls need to start playing golf between the ages of seven to 10 so by the time they get to 13 and 14 they are playing well enough that they want to continue playing,” he added.

“If they don’t start playing until they are 13 or 14 they never get good enough to want to keep playing when other interests arrive, as they inevitably do.”

The PGA has been actively engaging with clubs throughout the UK to highlight the benefits PGA pros bring to facilities and that message was reinforced by Jermine.

“Why do people enjoy golf? Because it is a great sport, a place where they can meet friends, make new friends and enjoy the social side of the club.
It is also a sport we can play for life with every club in the local area delighted to see new faces.

“But they also enjoy playing the game as well as they can and that’s where you need the PGA Professional.

"To do that the Club Professional needs the active support of the club secretary and, similarly, a junior organiser. If you have all three elements, without exception, it works.”

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Senior Open to return to Wales in 2017

The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex will return to Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in 2017 following the huge success of Wales’s first Senior Major Championship this summer.

More than 43,000 spectators lined the fairways of the revered Bridgend links in July to witness Bernhard Langer produce one of the stand-out performances in the history of senior golf to win the title for a second time, finishing 13 shots clear of 2010 Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie.

Four years on from Wales hosting the 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort, The Senior Open Championship once again showcased the country to a global audience, following an agreement for the country to host the Championship made between the Welsh Government, the European Senior Tour and The R&A. 

As part of that agreement, which aimed to build on the legacy of The 2010 Ryder Cup, The Senior Open Championship will now go back to Royal Porthcawl in three years’ time, following next year’s Championship at Sunningdale Golf Club in England, and the 2016 edition at Carnoustie in Scotland.

Welsh Government, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “I'm delighted with the confirmation that we'll be welcoming The Senior Open Championship back to Wales and to Royal Porthcawl in 2017.

“This was the first Major Championship to be held in Wales and the successful hosting of the tournament, and confirmation of its return, reinforces Wales’s reputation as a world-class events destination and as a golf destination with big ambitions. We look forward to working with our partners to make The 2017 Senior Open Championship another success.”

Huw Jenkins, Captain of Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, said: “The Club is delighted to be hosting the Championship for the second time in 2017. The feedback received from all those involved at this year’s event has been superb. It is not only great news for Royal Porthcawl, but also for Wales to be hosting a Major golf championship following the Amateur Championship which takes place at the Club in 2016.”   

Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said on behalf of The Senior Open Championship: “This year’s Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex at Royal Porthcawl was blessed by glorious sunshine and superb crowds, making it a magnificent spectacle which Wales was rightly proud of. Indeed, it was one of the best Senior Open’s in the Championship’s proud history.

“We are therefore delighted to confirm that The Senior Open Championship will be returning to Royal Porthcawl in 2017, and hopefully the Welsh public will embrace it just like they did this summer.”

Prior to hosting The Senior Open Championship, Royal Porthcawl hosted the Coral Welsh Classic on The European Tour three times between 1980-1982, and the Wales Senior Open in 2009, 2010 and 2013, as well as the 1995 Walker Cup, featuring Tiger Woods, when Great Britain and Ireland beat the USA by 14-10. Royal Porthcawl will also host the Amateur Championship in 2016.

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Enoch targets strong finish in the Sunshine

FORMER Welsh amateur international Rhys Enoch is targeting a strong end to the year in order to hit the ground running in 2015, WRITES CARL FIELD.

Rhys Enoch

Enoch, 26, who gained his eligibility to play for Wales because his father hailed from the Gower, is currently in South Africa competing on the Sunshine Tour.

He warmed up for the Lion of Africa Cape Town Open – which started today (Thursday) – with victory in Monday’s pre-qualifier.

Three straight birdies ahead of the turn paved the way for his four-under par 68 and left him two shots clear of nearest challenger Mervyn Galant.

Enoch, who plays out of Celtic Manor, is starting to find form again after an injury-plagued last few months as he aims to end 2014 – a year that saw him qualify for his first major – with a flourish.

In what has been an up and down year for Enoch, he qualified for the Open Championship at Hoylake in July with a stunning performance in a dramatic three-way play-off at Woburn.

And, while he didn’t make the cut at Hoylake, it was still an emotional week for Enoch, who was spurred on by the memory of younger brother Ben – also a talented golfer – who was tragically killed in a car crash on his way to the Lytham Trophy in 2009.

The connection to Hoylake and the Enoch brothers all stemmed back to 2006 when Ben – two years Rhys’ junior - went to witness the Open and, after sharing his experience with his older brother, the pair would often say ‘this putt is for the Claret Jugg’ while playing golf with one another.

“Obviously the highlight of my year was qualifying for the Open, it’s what everyone dreams of,” said Rhys.

“The first tee shot at the Open was incredible. I had been mentally rehearsing it all week before I went to bed, and I got there and I felt so calm.

“It was a special week for me – what with the Hoylake connection to my little brother – and it was an experience that will stand me in good stead in the future.”

Having been hampered by a shoulder injury since the end of July, Enoch has been stepping up his recovery with some decent performances in the South Wales PGA events.

After finishing fourth at Newport on October 22, Enoch followed that up with an excellent victory at Pennard a week later, carding a four-under par 68 to win by three shots.

He said: “Those two events were a great way for me to compete and test my shoulder out against some good local pros.

“Pennard was very nice – I played great and it’s always nice to pick up little wins wherever possible.”

On the challenges that lie ahead, Enoch said: “I feel my game is getting back to where it was and I’m looking to play well this week and get another four rounds under my belt.

“I then head up to Turkey for the Beko Pro-Am (Dec 4-6), where I have done well the previous two years.

“Then it’s back to Pretoria for the Alfred Dunhill Championship qualifier (Dec 9) and, if all goes to plan, playing in that (Dec 11-14) before heading home for Christmas.

“I’m already high enough in the Sunshine Tour Order Of Merit to keep my card for 2015, so it’s about playing the minimum number of events (seven) so that I stay there at the end of the year.

“Playing this week and then at the Alfred Dunhill qualifier will mean I’ll achieve that.

“I’m mid-70s on the OOM and It would be really nice to have a couple of good weeks and get myself into the top 50.

“My ultimate goal in 2015 will be gaining a European Tour card through the qualifying school – while I also aim to win on either the Challenge Tour or Sunshine Tour.

“I am due a win and my game is more than good enough. If I can stay fit and healthy, I feel I will get over the line, sooner rather than later.”

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HARRIES HAPPY WITH PING TITLE

Haverfordwest's Becky Harries is looking forward to a winter of hard work building on her success winning the Golf Union of Wales Ping Order of Merit for the first time – after three years as runner-up.

It was fourth time lucky for Harries after finishing behind Amy Boulden for the last three years - but while Boulden is making her way onto the Ladies European Tour, 25-year-old Harries is in no rush to join her in the professional ranks with some more targets in the amateur game first.

Victories in the Tenby Scratch, the stroke play stages of the Welsh Amateur Championship and the West of England Ladies Open, along with a second place at the English Women's Open and runner-up in the Welsh Amateur.

“I have been close to winning the Order of Merit a few times and had some good years, so it is nice to do it this year,” said Harries, who works at Haverfordwest golf club.

“We have just come back from the Home Internationals where we did well until the final game against England, after beating Scotland and Ireland.

“I will have a bit of a break now, but keep practicing through the winter. I do not feel I am ready to turn professional yet.

“You have got to be really good and on top of your game to get somewhere in the professional ranks of women's golf.

“I enjoy what I am doing at the moment, I love playing for Wales and the team events are something special.

“Next year we have the Vagliano Trophy between Great Britain and Ireland and continental Europe, then in two years time there is the Curtis Cup so I have plenty of targets left in the amateur game.”

Harries and Boulden are the only two players to have topped 1,000 points in a season under the current Order of Merit scoring system, with Boulden just coming out on top two years ago.

The Haverfordwest player scored more than 700 points this time round to finish clear of Wrexham's Chloe Williams with Newport's Jess Evans in third.

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TIME TO BOSS THE OPPOSITION AS PENARTH GOLFER RECORDS ELUSIVE HOLE-IN-ONE AT GLAMORGANSHIRE

The time was right for a Penarth golfer when he scored a hole-in-one during a recent club competition to be rewarded with a limited-edition BOSS watch as recognition for the achievement.

Anthony Crimp, 59, scored his ace on the 153-yard, par-three seventh at Glamorganshire GC, and the 14-handicapper was rewarded with membership of the exclusive BOSS Watches H1 Club and a specially-commissioned, commemorative timepiece.

The luxury German brand has once again pledged to reward club golfers with an exclusive watch for every hole-in-one recorded during a club competition in 2014 after giving away £600,000-worth of limited-edition mementos in 2013 - and Crimp is among the latest to achieve the feat this year.

The scheme is open to any golfer whose club uses HowDidiDo - a free-to-use, web-based social network for golfers - and anybody playing in official club competitions is eligible. Currently, more than 1,800 clubs use the website.

Stephen Brydon, commercial director for MGS Distribution, the official licenced UK distributor for BOSS Watches, said: "Congratulations to Anthony on achieving golf's Holy Grail of a hole-in-one.

"To the majority of amateur golfers, recording a hole-in-one will be the most memorable thing they achieve in golf - a once-in-a-lifetime experience probably - and we want to ensure they have much better memories than merely a dent in their bank balance after buying drinks in the clubhouse.

"The exclusive BOSS watch is available only to golfers who record a hole-in-one. It will provide a constant reminder of the achievement and also help to ensure they're never late for a tee-time again.

"We also hope it might add a frisson of extra excitement to club competitions for golfers who may not be in with a chance of winning the event, for they know that every time they stand on the tee on a par-three, they are just one shot away from winning a stunning timepiece."

In addition to the limited-edition watch, Crimp is also awarded membership of the exclusive BOSS Watches H1 Club which offers its members access to exclusive benefits and merchandise.

No extra registration is required to participate in the BOSS Watches promotion as all official club competitions are recorded on the HowDidiDo system, so holes-in-one are noted and automatically ratified by the golfer's club.

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NEW COACHES FOR WELSH GOLF'S ELITE

Two Golf Union of Wales coaches have been promoted to help Welsh golf's elite amateur players, with both coming up through the ranks of the GUW system to the top level.

Wrexham's Paul Williams will take over as the National Female Coach, replacing Jeremy Bennett who has moved to a role with the English Golf Union, whilst continuing to work with the North Regional Girls squad.

Gareth James, from another Wrexham course Clays, moves up from North Nursery and North East Academy coach to take over three of the Regional squads. Both will carry on with some of their development roles as well.

The two coaches were appointed after an internal interview process, the fact they have both come up through the Golf Union of Wales ranks is a huge benefit and shows the coaching development system in a positive light.

“Paul will take over from Jeremy Bennett after the completion of the Ladies Home Internationals in mid-September. Paul will also continue to coach the North Regional Girls squad as he has done for the last few years,” said Golf Union of Wales director of performance Ben Waterhouse.

“In addition Gareth James will move from North Academy coach and will take over as Regional South Boys and Regional South Girls coach from John Peters, he will also take over the Regional North Boys squad from Paul.

“Both Paul and Gareth went through an internal interview process which confirmed the quality of their knowledge and experience alongside a genuine passion for the development of Welsh players and teams. I would like to congratulate them on their promotions.

“This now leaves two vacancies in North Wales for an Academy Coach and a Nursery Coach. The plan is to advertise for these roles shortly.”

Paul Williams is father and coach to Wales international Chloe Williams, so he isdelighted to have landed his dream job.

“I really am over the moon. I applied for this role seven years ago thinking I was ready, but I have learned so much through the Golf Union coaching system over the last seven years that I know now I wasn't,” he said.

“I feel ready now though. I have big shoes to fill, Jeremy has done a really good job, and I am looking forward to going to the Ladies Home Internationals to pick his brains for one last time.

“Hopefully I can move things on in some way. It is amazing what the Golf Union of Wales have put in place for the coaches, as well as the players, with everyone learning from each other.

“I have observed one of the Wales Home Internationals victories under Jeremy so I would hope to keep some of the routines in place and how they were prepared, while we can always look to improve in certain areas.

“Chloe is delighted for me, but she will be treated just the same as any other player – which is what she would expect. She is developing as a leader within the team this year, and I am sure there is more to come from her and the other players.”

James is about to become even more familiar with the roads between North and South Wales as a result of his appointments, but he is pleased to be moving further up the Welsh golf coaching ladder.

“I cannot wait to get going,” he said. I have enjoyed my time looking after the academy and nursery players and am really looking forward to moving up to dealing more with the Wales international players.

“I will be at Clays three days a week and will still keep coaching my players in North Wales, but then I will be travelling down to Celtic Manor at weekend for the South Wales squads.

“I have just been involved with the Wales Boys in the Home Internationals, so it is a continuation of what I have been doing in some ways – I feel as though it is a natural step up for me.

“I am delighted to be part of the Welsh coaching system. I feel we do a really good job of taking the talented players and developing them as well as possible.

“We do not have the numbers of some other countries, but we have a very good record for punching above our weight – the Wales Boys finishing in the top flight in Europe being one example of that.”

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St Mellons golfer wins West Region PGA Assistants title

Toby Hunt (St Mellons) has become the West Region PGA Assistants’ Champion after winning a play-off against Joe Ferguson (Celtic Manor) in the Marston’s West Region PGA Championship at The Players Club, near Bristol.

The 21-year-old Cardiff player made a par three on the first extra hole while Ferguson’s tee-shot ended in the trees and he could only make four.

Both players carded one-under-par 143 after identical rounds of 73 and 70. This left Cennydd Mills (Pyle and Kenfig) one shot behind as he took par 72s both days.

Hunt, who won the Junior Wales Open at Celtic Manor during his final year as an amateur to claim the prize of a year’s free membership of the 2010 course, has just completed his first year of PGA training under Barry Thomas at St Mellons.

He said: “I have had a couple of top tens this year but this was a really good result for me. I was solid over the two days.”

Kelvin Aitken (Chippenham Golf Centre) followed 79 with a perfect 70 to beat Newport’s Welsh legend Paul Mayo by two shots and take the Seniors’ title. Mayo followed 77 with 74.

In the main event, won by former European Tour winner David Dixon (Enmore Park) by one shot over Order of Merit winner Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre, Weymouth).

The pair will be joined in Turkey by Richard Dinsdale (Parc Golf Academy) who claimed third spot despite finishing a disappointing 27th.

James Lee (Caerphilly, 73 68), Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle, 73 68), Matt Dearden (Llantrisant & Pontyclun, 73 68) were the leading Welsh players on 141, sharing eighth place.

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TOP COACHES MOVE ON

Two of the top coaches at the Golf Union of Wales are to move on to new roles in the game, stepping down after helping to develop talented Welsh players and bringing considerable success.

Wales Ladies coach Jeremy Bennett is to become the national coach of England Under 18 boys, while South Wales coach John Peters is to take up the director of golf role at Southerndown Golf Club where he is currently the head professional.

Bennett helped steer Wales Ladies to three Home International triumphs in his seven years in the role, after Wales had won the title only one other time in more than 100 years. He will move job after this year's Home Internationals in September.

“We still have a lot to play for and I would like to end on a high at the World Championships and Home Internationals,” said the former coach of Nick Faldo and Bernhard Langer. “Seven years has been a good run and there have been a lot of successes with the group, so hopefully I will be leaving things in a better position than when I came.

“I have enjoyed every minute with Wales, bringing tears of joy and creating history which is my main goal.

“They have been a great group of players and it was nice to see more success with Amy Boulden finishing fourth in Germany (on the Ladies European Tour) at the weekend.

“They have been unbeaten through the last two Home Internationals, winning once and unlucky the other time, so they have punched above their weight which is good for a small country.

“I will always have fond memories every time I cross the bridge into Wales.

“I am looking forward to the new challenge with the England Under 18's. There will be more players to work with, who will be thinking of getting onto the European Tour and winning events.

“England have only produced two Major winners in the last 44 years, while Ireland have had four, and there are fewer English players on the European Tour than ten years ago.

“The next top player will come through the system, particularly at Under 18's level where you can still influence their approach and work ethic.”

Peters will leave his role in appropriate fashion, as part of the coaching team for Wales at the Men's Home Internationals which are being held at Southerndown this year.

It will include the majority of the team he led to the European Division Two title in the Czech Republic, one of the many highlights of his time with Wales.

“I have been involved with the coaching set up in Wales for 12 years and as a player before that, so it has been great to serve my country and golf union as a coach,” said Peters.

“I first had Rhys Pugh in my Under 12's group when he was aged 10, and most recently when he was part of the Wales team in the Czech Republic. It has been great to watch his success and to have been involved with so many good players.

“We had a great two days of preparation before heading to the Czech Republic, building team morale, and the way they went about things on and off the course was really impressive – winning the stroke play by 19 shots and then going on to take the title in the match play stages.

“At the same time it is a bit of a dream to have this new role at Southerndown, where I came through as a player and assistant professional, before moving on to St Mary's and Machynys and then coming back.

“It is a great challenge to be in charge of everything at the club and I am looking forward to it.

“We have just hosted qualifying for the Senior British Open at Royal Porthcawl and the players have been wholly complimentary about everything here, they cannot speak highly enough about the course.

“Helping with the coaching at the Home Internationals will be a fitting way to finish with the Golf Union of Wales, but of course I will carry on my own coaching.”

Golf Union of Wales Director of Performance Ben Waterhouse added, “We would like to thank both Jeremy and John for their services to Welsh golf.

“They have both achieved great success and helped to bring out the talent in a lot of young players.

“Jeremy's contribution to three Home International wins speaks for itself, while John played a crucial role in helping the Wales men's team back into the top flight of European golf.

“While both will be missed, we have to plan ahead and we are fortunate that there are many coaches in Wales coming up through the system who are ready to step up.”

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Volunteers club together to support Senior Open

Every big event relies on the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers, and this month’s Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club will be no different, with local people clubbing together to help make it a success.
Among the volunteers is Rob Forman, from Laleston, who will be taking on marshalling duties. Forman is a seasoned golf volunteer, having helped out at numerous events held at Royal Porthcawl and The Celtic Manor Resort, as well as Southerndown, where he is a member.

He said: “The Senior Open is going to be a great advert for a top Welsh course, and Wales itself, on the world stage. I’ll enjoy seeing such a quality field of top golfers in action as they move through whichever hole I am marshalling on, and I’m particularly looking forward to seeing and maybe meeting Tom Watson, who is a world class gentleman as well as a world class golfer.”

Forman, who has been playing golf for 25 years, is also hoping that the positive effects of Royal Porthcawl hosting the event will also rub off on his own course just along the coast at Southerndown, which is one of three local courses hosting Monday qualifying.

He said: “I will be caddying when Southerndown will be hosting one of the qualifiers a few days before the big event itself, and I hope that with the area being in the spotlight it will help all local courses attract increasing numbers of visiting golfers from overseas.”

The Welsh Government has reached an agreement for three Senior Open Championships to be played in Wales between 2014 and 2024, and Bridgend County Borough Council is contributing £50,000 towards the hosting of the first event in Porthcawl, which is predicted to attract 34,000 spectators.

Councillor David Sage, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of events, as we saw with the ‘Games Makers’ at the London 2012 Olympics, so it’s great to see passionate golfers like Rob getting behind this event and sparing their time to help out.”

Councillor Sage added: “It was recently announced that The Open will soon be played on Northern Ireland’s shores for the first time since 1951 after Royal Portrush was added to the select group of courses on the Open Championship’s rota, and a successful Senior Open would certainly boost Royal Porthcawl’s hopes of joining them. We really hope that the Senior Open will be a big success and help to put Bridgend County Borough on the map for global golf fans.”

The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex takes place at Royal Porthcawl from July 24 – 27 and will feature legends of the game including Tom Watson, Ian Woosnam, Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

There are still some vacancies for volunteering, with roles including course marshals and scorers. All volunteers need to be aged over 18. For further details, please email golfmarshaltso@outlook.com.

Tickets for The 2014 Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex at Royal Porthcawl can be bought online via www.senioropengolf.com  or by calling +44 (0)800 0232557, with details of hospitality packages also available.

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Llantrisant & Pontyclun tee up shot at Gleneagles showpiece

A tilt at golfing glory awaits amateur Richard Charles and his Llantrisant & Pontyclun PGA professional MatthewDearden as they bid to reach the Lombard Trophy grand final being staged at Gleneagles – just three weeks before Europe and America meet in the Ryder Cup.
 
Charles teed up a chance to tread the fairways of the King’s Course at the famous Scottish resort between September 3-4 when he won his club qualifying competition.
 
He and Dearden now advance to the regional final at Dunham Forest Golf Club on Friday 25 July, where they will compete against up to 70 other clubs for the chance to secure one of 16 prized spots available for the 36-hole grand final.
 
Lombard, the UK’s largest asset finance provider which invests in local and regional business, has enjoyed a long association with the event, helping make it the biggest pro-am in Europe.
 
“We are delighted to be associated with the tournament, and wish all the regional finalists good luck as they try and win a place at Gleneagles,” said managing director of Lombard, Richard Hemsley.
 
“With the 2014 Ryder Cup taking place just three weeks after the Lombard Trophy, it gives the final an extra dimension with competitors able to soak up the build-up ahead of the European and American showdown.”
 
The tournament, now in its 30^th year, attracts entries from upwards of 700 clubs across Great Britain and Ireland. Lombard originally sponsored the tournament from 1995 to 2006 before returning as headline sponsor in 2013.
 
The PGA National Pro-Am Championship has a total prize fund of £80,000, with the winning professional at the grand final taking home a cheque for £12,000.      
 
Richard Charles, is a 44-year-old carpet fitter from Llantrisant.  He has been playing golf for 20 years and plays off a handicap of four.            
 
Matthew Dearden, 36, has been a professional at Llantrisant & Pontyclun for 15 months. He is a former Wales and West PGA Order of Merit winner and 2012 Bournemouth Classic champion.
 
Last year's winners were PGA professional Ian Walley and amateur partner Ian Neal from Kedleston Park Golf Club in Derbyshire.

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JANE HEADS FOR HOLLYWOOD

Newly crowned European champion Jane Rees is hoping to head for Hollywood thanks to her win against Europe's top senior amateurs.

Hollywood in New Jersey, rather than California, is the venue for this year's US Seniors Amateur Championship and Rees is planning to take part as the European winner.

First there is a Ryder Cup style match against the US to be held in Valderrama, Spain, next week as part of the European team for the Seniors Women Invitational Match.

Since winning the European title in Madrid, triumphing by seven shots after going into the final round trailing by four strokes, Hendon-based Rees has finished second in Holland as well as preparing for the SWIM international.

“I was surprised but very pleased to win as I was not the lowest handicapper playing, but I believe the European title gets me into the US Seniors Amateur Championship in September,” said the Wales international, aged 55.

“It is at Hollywood golf club, but in Deal, New Jersey rather than California. Those allowed to enter include the European champion.

“I went into the final round of the European championships four shots behind a lady who was a member at that club, Maria de Orueta. However I started the final round with two pars and two birdies while she had four bogeys.

“She chipped in at the 14^th to potentially reduce my lead to one shot, but I sank a long putt on the same hole. In the end I had a five shot lead going up the last and felt I could get that done.

“My husband David caddied for me, he had the plan of the undulating greens and kept telling me where to hit the ball.”

Rees is also a Wales international athlete, running in the 400m hurdles, and only took up golf when her athletics career came to an end.

“I took up golf when I was 30, played socially for a while and then entered the Welsh Seniors when I turned 50.

“I won that and got into the Wales team and have been able to play in plenty of big events since then, including winning the Spanish seniors title in 2010. The ladies senior scene is really thriving.”

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JANE REES WINS EUROPEAN SENIOR WOMEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Hendon-based Welsh international Jane Rees is the new European senior women's amateur champion.

She won the title over 54 holes at RCG Puerta de Hierro, Madrid at the weekend with rounds of 75, 76 and 72 for seven-over-par total of 223.

Overnight leader Maria de Orueta, playing at her home course, finished runner-up, seven strokes behind Janes, with scores of 74, 73 and a disastrous last round of 83.

Finland's Minna Kaarnalahti and Ireland's Sheena McElroy tied for third place on 232.

Minna had scores of 78, 77 and 77, Sheena 77, 77 and 78.

No Scottish or English players took part in the championship.

OTHER TOTALS

234 Macarena Campomanes (Spain) 76 77 81 (5th)

235 Chris Utermarck (Germany) 78 78 79 (6th)

236 Nan Croockewit (Netherlands) 76 78 82 (7th)

258 Pat Doran (Donabate, Ireland) 83 86 89 (T29)

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11 Year Old Ffion wins in U16 Scottish Championships

11 Year Old Golf Sensation Ffion Tynan got her season off to the perfect start by winning the Murray Donald & Caithness NETT Cup at the Scottish Girls Under 16 Championships, which was held at Strathmore Golf Club in Blairgowrie in Perth.

Fearless Ffion carded a fantastic eight under par 136 over the two rounds where she took on a 90 strong field featuring some of the best young Girls Golfers from all over Europe.

 After a nervy start to the first round, Ffion quickly found her form and picked up a Birdie on her fourth hole which boosted her confidence, and that continued with some great play around the greens and nailing some crucial putts.

 The highlight of the tournament came in her second round where the 11 year old managed to come up with an astonishing final four holes. On Hole 15 she pulled out a great approach shot to make par, while on 16, after over shooting the green on her second shot, she managed to chip within inches to save par.

Tynan, then, after seeing her playing partner hit her tee shot within a foot on the par three, 189 yards, stepped up and matched the shot to make Birdie.

On the long Par five 18^th, Ffion needed a Birdie to break 80 for the first time and she did not disappoint. With a great approach shot, her third shot left her with a 15 foot putt which she duly knocked down to take the Trophy.

Her victory was not only the good news she had, her fantastic scores helped her drop her handicap from 13 down to single figures to eight, a fantastic achievement for an 11 year old.

 Coached by National Men’s Coach Neil Matthews, Ffion has just started her third full season playing golf having already won over 38 trophies and becoming the current European Girls Champion in the Aged 10 category. She will travel again to Scotland in May looking to defend her European Crown.

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Donaldson named European Tour Golfer of the Month for March

Jamie Donaldson’s rise to Number One in The 2014 Race to Dubai entering this week’s Masters Tournament has earned him The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Month award for March.

Donaldson, who receives an engraved alms dish and a Jeroboam of Moët & Chandon champagne, launched his 2014 campaign by finishing tied second in the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, then rose to the top of The Race to Dubai with an outstanding performance in the WGC-Cadillac Championship in the second week of March.

The 38 year old Welshman, winner of the 2012 Irish Open and the 2013 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on The European Tour International Schedule, produced rounds of 74-70-71 and 70 at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Florida, to tie with Bubba Watson for the runner-up spot one shot behind Patrick Reed.

Donaldson, who has earned €1,087,034 so far this season and currently heads Thomas Björn and Sergio Garcia in the race for Number One honours, said: “It’s always nice to receive an award like this from The European Tour, it definitely put a smile on my face when I found out this morning.

“It’s a reward for how well I’ve been playing lately. Obviously I had a great week at Doral, and then just carried it on from there really.

“I feel like my game’s been steadily progressing over the last few years, but like everybody else I’m always looking to improve in certain areas. I’m still learning and still working hard, especially on my short game, so it’s nice to see that hard work paying off. Hopefully it’s not the last award I win this year.”

The European Tour Golfer of the Month Panel, comprising members of the Association of Golf Writers as well as commentators from television and radio, focused their attention on winning and exceptional performances in The Race to Dubai on The European Tour International Schedule – Spain’s Alejandro Cañizares captured the Trophée Hassan II in March – while also taking into account events worldwide.

Renton Laidlaw, President of the Association of Golfer Writers and a Presenter for The Golf Channel, said: “The panel was unanimous in giving this prestigious award to Jamie Donaldson following a magnificent challenge for a World Golf Championship title which maintained his wonderful form and enhanced his prospects of a Ryder Cup debut for Europe against the United States in September.

“The panel also highly praised Alejandro Cañizares for his excellent wire-to-wire victory in Agadir and also congratulated Captains Miguel Angel Jiménez and Thongchai Jaidee for the way they superbly led Europe and Asia to a thrilling tie in the inaugural EurAsia Cup in Kuala Lumpur.”

Jiménez, Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, winners of the December, January and February awards respectively, will all be considered together with Donaldson for The 2014 European Tour Golfer of the Year Award, which was won in 2013 by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson following his triumph in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai which secured the Number One spot in The Race to Dubai.
 

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NEW2GOLF AND BACK2GOLF DRIVE OFF ACROSS WALES

Golf clubs around Wales are gearing up to help beginners and lapsed players find golfing homes through free taster sessions and low cost, fun, group lessons in April and throughout the summer.

The New2Golf and Back2Golf schemes are run by Golf Development Wales and supported by the R&A, with more than 50 clubs registered acrossWales and more clubs joining in each week, offering excellent deals to encourage and support people to take up a sport for life.

It also includes National Golf Month which will be running in May, with a substantial national advertising campaign, supported by golf clubs, driving ranges and PGA professionals who will be offering unique and special deals.

These all include clubs offering special deals for beginners, women, girls, juniors and, for the first time, 10 clubs around Wales are offering opportunities for people with a disability to work with fully trained club professionals.

“The two schemes emphasise the health benefits of golf, for example people can burn off around 1,500 calories per round,” explained Golf Union of Wales development director Hannah Fitzpatrick.

“They focus on recruiting new people to the sport, promoting golf as an inclusive sport and providing opportunities to anyone wanting to try the game and potentially take up a sport for life.

“Golf Development Wales is helping to fund the club schemes through April and the summer. 

Every participant will also become a Golf Development Wales New2Golf member which gives added benefits to ease the transition to club membership.

“We are delighted with the wide range of opportunities wherever you are in Wales, while of course these schemes are helpful for clubs in attracting members which is vital in the current economic climate.

“Golf is a fantastic way of meeting and bringing people together whatever your age, background or ability – a perfect combination of fun, fitness and fresh air with friends and family.”

For example, golfers in North Wales can enjoy a free taster session at Conwy with low cost continuation lessons, trial membership and much more, similar deals are on offer at Clays in Wrexham, Flint, Nefyn, Ruthin Pwllglas or free beginner sessions for women and girls with ongoing deals at Rhuddlan Golf Club, plus many more.

Anyone interested in giving golf a go in West Wales can go to free taster sessions at clubs such as Aberdovey, Glyn Abbey, Gower, South Pembs and many more.

South Wales clubs offering special deals to encourage people to take up golf include Celtic Manor, Whitchurch, Southerndown, Radyr, Radyr, Rhondda, Newport, Llanwern and many more.

For full details, including a map of Wales showing the clubs involved to help find the best deals in your area, visit the new Golf Development Wales website and click on the New2Golf/ Golf Awareness Month button at the top of the page www.golfdevelopmentwales.org

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Joining golf clubs is what friends are for

The friendliness of a golf club is the main reason for bucking the current trends and boosting membership numbers in Wales, according to a new survey.

The Golf Development Wales study emphasises the importance of clubs providing a friendly welcome to new members and the contribution of existing friend/family relationships to new member recruitment.

Those two factors were named as the main reasons for joining the club in a survey open to nearly 2,000 people who have been through the GDW's New2Golf scheme. They were even more important reasons for those renewing their membership.

Around two out of every three people to have taken part in the New2Golf scheme went on to join a golf club, according to those who responded to the online survey, with the majority being women.

As they joined a wide range of Welsh golf clubs, it showed the friendly reception is available at plenty of different clubs, with around 90 per cent saying they were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' by the welcome they received.

“This is really important feedback and helps to remind clubs there is plenty they can do to encourage people to join,” said Golf Union of Wales development director Hannah Fitzpatrick.

“The range of clubs joined by respondents indicates that many clubs are providing this welcome, and the findings also provide strong support for “Member get member” type schemes.

“The survey also indicates that even if new golfers do not join a club immediately, they may do so in the future when they have more time, become more confident in playing golf, or feel that they can get value from membership.

“As well as the new types of membership, such as points membership, that many clubs have instigated to cater to the golfer with less time to play, it could be useful for clubs to keep in touch with previous New2Golf members once or twice a year, so that they will naturally come to that club when they are ready to play more golf.”

Those surveyed who had not gone on to join a club cited lack of time and cost as the main reasons. However two thirds said they planned to carry on playing golf and only one ruled out joining a club in the future.

The club's social programme was particularly important to women, while the opportunities to get a handicap and play in competitions were more important to men – however competitions were still important to a third of the new women members.

“All these stories are good for the golf clubs that are changing, good for the sport, but also good for the people taking up a game that will keep them active for the rest of their lives,” added Fitzpatrick.

New2Golf is a promotional scheme for clubs and professionals which encourages participants to get hooked on golf quicker through the use of coaching vouchers, insurance and much more.

Each New2Golf member will receive a pack that includes a rules and etiquette pocket reminders and welcome book, 50% off a lesson voucher, 6 for the price of 5 lesson voucher, friend or family lesson voucher, £1 million public liability insurance (adults only), 25% off golfers insurance through CCV, amongst other benefits.

In the two years since New2Golf was launched, including the initial pilot period, 1796 people have taken up the membership, 776 ladies, 429 boys, 290 men and 301 girls. 
Thanks to Wales hosting the Ryder Cup 200,000 people have had the chance to give golf a try, over 5,000 newly trained volunteers are having an effect at clubs week in, week out, while 38 new facilities all around Wales continue to thrive in developing the game.

For details on New2Golf, please go to http://www.golfdevelopmentwales.org and click on Beginners and Golfers.

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R&A help Welsh quartet for South America test

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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