Wales: Donaldson and youngster Griffiths grab Welsh awards

Jamie Donaldson was named the Welsh Tour Professional of the Year by the Golf Union of Wales after playing a match-clinching role in Europe’s victory over America at Gleneagles.

The Pontypridd player claimed the award for the fourth time running at the awards ceremony held appropriately at Welsh Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor, sponsored by Future Financials.

“Jamie is a product of the Welsh golf system, having come through the international amateur ranks playing for Wales, and we are all extremely proud of his efforts this year,” said Golf Union of Wales chief executive Richard Dixon. “He is a great example to all the players coming through behind him. We look forward to following further success in 2015.”

Judges said that Donaldson, 39, was the stand-out candidate for the main award after confirming his international breakthrough with a dazzling performance at the Ryder Cup, winning three points for Europe, including a 4 and 3 victory over Keegan Bradley to take the team past the winning mark of 14 and a half points.

The former Welsh Amateur and Stroke Play champion is currently ranked 24th in the world.

‘These winners all continue to have a real impact on all levels of golf in Wales’
Ladies European Tour player Amy Boulden was also recognised at the ceremony and Dixon added: “She also came through the Welsh ranks and last year she was the Rookie of the Year on the Ladies European Tour, an achievement that was made extra special because she did not have a tour card at the start of the season and had to rely on limited invites. She certainly made the most of her opportunities.”

Tenby was named club of the year at the awards ceremony, while Welsh champion Evan Griffiths was the Amateur Player of the Year.

In a successful season, Griffiths won the Pinnacle Welsh Men’s Order of Merit, the Trubshaw Cup and Clwyd Open, as well as helping Wales to second in the Home Internationals.

The Golf Development Wales PGA Professional of the Year was Nicola Stroud of Gower. She was recognised as a key part of the team driving the club’s business support scheme and worked in schools and communities. The team also delivered New2Golf and disabled golf schemes and earned the advanced PGA award.

The Volunteer of the Year award went to Pwllheli’s Grace Roberts. There were four junior members at the club when she took over as organiser in 2008, but thanks to her efforts there are now 130 and last year Pwllheli became only the second Grass Roots centre in North Wales.