Wales Round-up: Thomas defends Welsh Seniors Championship

Royal Porthcawl’s Jeff Thomas successfully defended his Welsh Seniors Championship title by mastering the tough conditions at Aberdovey.

Thomas won by eight shots from Pennard’s David Frazer, and the South Wales solicitor said: “I am delighted to have retained the title, it is a wonderful occasion, a reunion of old friends really.”

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Twelve months ago, Thomas needed a final round of 65 to surge through the field, but this time a final round of 74 was plenty to ensure retaining the title as he shared the lead after the first round and never looked back.

‘Congratulations to Jeff, he showed great control in testing conditions’ Golf Union of Wales championships manager Gavin Reen said: “Aberdovery certainly provided a stern test as we knew it would.

“It was the classic firm but fair golf course and certainly in wonderful condition, so the club can be proud of the effort they put in to make the Welsh Seniors a success once again.

“Congratulations to Jeff, he showed great control in some testing conditions over the three rounds.”

Williams wins Welsh Youths Open Championship

Wrexham’s Tom Williams became the first home winner of the Wales Open Youths Championship for five years.

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Wales national squad member Williams won by a shot from England’s Alister Balcombe, with Radyr’s Keyle Harman in a group tied third and Welsh Amateur champion Evan Griffith in six after leading going into the final round, in the event held at Maesdu in North Wales.

Williams moved into contention with a four under par 68 in the second round, then sealed his victory with a three under par score in the fourth and final round.

“I am chuffed to win this, over the moon, and hopefully it will help me get into the Great Britain and Ireland team this year after being second or third reserve last year,” said the 17-year-old, who was caddied by his mum for the event.

“I hit a lot of fairways and greens, I did not really hit any bad shots and kept my ball under control.

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“I had nothing to lose, I knew I had to get a score from somewhere and an eagle on the 9th got me in the mood.”

Llangefni Town Partnership saves golf course

Llangefni Town Partnership is celebrating after a successful bid to save the local course, which was under threat of closure by Anglesey Council.

In the face of austerity cuts, the local authority decided to close the course, despite more than 1m000 people signing a petition to keep the course open.

However, the partnership stepped in to save the club and will now begin its lease in July.

Campaigner Berwyn Owen said: “Seven members of the partnership worked hard to look at the way the course could be maintained and eventually improved to ensure this great facility remains open and attracting locals and tourists to the town.

“I would like to thank the people who signed the petition that demonstrated the course is a facility that people enjoy and the council who have heard our business case and has given this course a valuable reprieve.”

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