Wales Round-up: Mullen wins Open title
Devonshire amateur Jimmy Mullen enjoyed a commanding victory at the Welsh Open Stroke Play at Ashburnham to boost his chances of a Walker Cup place.
Mullen claimed the victory by nine shots over Welsh international Ben Westgate.
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“I thought I would be leading but did not realise I was so far ahead,” said Mullen. “I think that helped me because I knew the other players were coming after me, but I just needed to stick to my game plan and make some birdies.
‘I did not realise I was so far ahead’ “A nine shot win is certainly nice in a Walker Cup year, it puts me in the right direction for that.”
Mullen, who last year was one of only two amateurs to make the cut at the British Open – along with Matt Fitzpatrick – said he enjoyed playing the Ashburnham course and believed it suited his game.
Golf Union of Wales championship manager Gavin Reed added: “Ashburnham put on a tremendous display, the course was in perfect condition to test and reward the players.
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“Jimmy was obviously outstanding, but it was also nice to see three Welsh players in the top 10.”
Owen Edwards of Llanwern and Josh Davies of Celtic Manor finished the event 10 shots behind mullen, tied for seventh.
‘Growing the Game’ at Trefloyne
A junior golf scheme at Trefloyne has seen over 3,000 children introduced to the game.
Over the past six years, director of golf Oliver Ducket has developed a programme for pupils aged between six and 11, with over 15 schools schools now registered.
In partnership with Sport Pembrokeshire, GDW and GUW has seen every child offered three free lessons, to be taken any time over the summer months.
Minister opens historic castle at Vale
The 400-year-old Hensol Castle has been restored to its former glory at the Vale Resort.
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Government minister Ken Skates opened the castle following a £10million refurbishment.
The restored castle is the latest in a series of large scale redevelopments at the Vale Resort and its championship course.
Office worker writes own records
European Tour administrator Katherine O’Connor made her own entry into the record books by winning the Welsh Amateur Championship.
O’Connor, aged 25, beat Wrexham’s Chloe Williams 2&1 in the final. The West Byfleet player works for the European Tour at Wentworth as the membership and entries administrator, slipping out at lunchtime and after work to practice.
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“It is absolutely amazing to win it, I can’t quite believe it,” said O’Connor, who plays for Wales due to her father hailing from Cardiff. “”Everyone wants to win this one, I have worked so hard on my game and it paid off in my first final.
“I work now so I play golf to enjoy it, which means I am more relaxed about it. I missed out on playing for Wales in the European team last year, so hopefully this can help me back into that.”
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