Cardiff carer one step from dream golfing trip

A Cardiff retiree who has devoted his life to the care of vulnerable people is one step away from his dream golfing trip to play 2014 Ryder Cup venue Gleneagles.

Edwin Yhap, who worked in social care before ill health forced him to retire a couple of years ago, has qualified to play in the Lombard Trophy regional final at Burnham & Berrow on June 11.

There the 65 year old, who continues to volunteer for a number of charitable organisations, will play alongside his Cottrell Park PGA Professional Gareth Bennett for the chance to tee up a final at Gleneagles on September 1-2.

The Lombard Trophy is the largest pro-am event in Europe, attracting more than 700 clubs each year who play for a share of the £80,000 prize fund.

And Yhap, who was born in British Guiana before moving to Wales to study engineering in the seventies, is relishing the opportunity to take his golf to the next level.

“Golf was always an escape for me as working in social care could be quite stressful at times,” he explained.

“It was something that allowed me to get out in the open air, meet new people and I could do so while playing to my own abilities – there was no pressure.

“I never expected to get through from my club qualifier, I had to beat many better golfers than me but I was completely elated to do so.

“And I’m looking forward to playing alongside Gareth. He’s great around the club, really creative and makes sure that he gets everyone involved.”

In his retirement Yhap currently sits on the board of trustees for the British Association of Social Workers and works as a minister delivering Holy Communion to elderly people who are unable to leave their homes, alongside multiple other charitable roles.

But he admitted he loves to stay busy, meaning that he still gets out on the course several times a week despite his other commitments.

“I was club captain last year so I had to play as regularly as I could,” he enthused.

“I had to take a step back around my retirement but I still like to give it a go.

“Golf has been a big part of my life for many years, and I feel really fortunate to have the opportunity to play in something like this on a national scale.

“If I could make it through to the final at Gleneagles it would be an experience that I would cherish for the rest of my life.”