Royal Porthcawl hosts important legacy launch
AN important development in Welsh Women’s golf was last week launched at Royal Porthcawl, writes Tony Poole.
The Women’s Open Legacy Project has been introduced in a bid to build on blossoming Wales Golf credentials. Deputy Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Sport & Tourism Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas headed a panel of dignitaries that also contained representatives from the game’s governing body, The Royal & Ancient, along with Wales Golf and Bridgend County Borough Council.
The Legacy Project centred on Royal Porthcawl because in 2021 the Rest Bay club will host the AIG Women’s Open for a first time.
The best women golfers on the world scene will assemble at Royal Porthcawl, and a member of the Ladies European Tour, Lydia Hall, also attended the launch.
Despite poor weather conditions, Lydia from Pencoed managed to give putting advice to Lord Elis Thomas together with pupils from local schools.
As an example of development opportunities ahead, it’s anticipated that 4,800 young people are set to be given a chance to try and progress in the demanding world of golf.
And as Wales Golf Chief Executive Richard Dixon pointed out, exciting developments will begin next year when Conwy Golf Club in North Wales is the venue for The Curtis Cup.
He said: “Hosting world class golf tournaments has a huge and ongoing impact on the development of the game in Wales.
“As part of the Ryder Cup bid at Celtic Manor back in 2010, the Men’s and Ladies Unions became the first in the United Kingdom to fully merge, and is now Wales Golf.
“That was a progressive step, and it’s the continued ambition of Wales Golf to stage world class golf at top venues like Royal Porthcawl in order to make a lasting impression.
“We have set ambitious targets over the next two years and beyond.
“Hopefully, they will act as a springboard to inspire more Welsh women and girls to play golf.’’
Royal Porthcawl down the years possesses a glittering CV in hosting top-class events with the AIG Women’s Open in 2021 being placed alongside The Walker Cup, Ladies Open Championship, Curtis Cup, Amateur Championship and Senior Open Championship.