Ex-badminton pro seeks golfing glory

Multi-talented Roy Williams will showcase his golfing skills when he tees up in the Silversea Senior PGA Professional Championship at Foxhills in Surrey from May 11-13.

The North Wales Golf Club coach – an ex-international badminton player - is one of several Welsh PGA pros in action in the 54-hole event which carries an enhanced £40,000 prize fund and is defended by Scot, Fraser Mann.

Also playing will be Williams’ colleague Michael Macara, Glynn Davies (Glynn Davies Golf), Peter Evans (Royal Porthcawl), Paul Mayo (Pontnewydd) and John Peters (Southerndown).

Williams was a late-comer to the professional ranks having only turned pro at 46 when he came through the PGA training programme but rates it as one of the best decisions of his life.

“It was a big decision to give up a job and do the PGA training but it was one of the best things I’ve done and I really enjoy the coaching,” said Williams who won the Welsh National PGA seniors title in 2012.

Now 56, Williams hung up his badminton racket in his early 20s by which time he’d notched up a host of highlights including representing Wales in the European Championships and winning the Welsh U23s title.

As a kid he played all sports and began playing golf again in his late 20s at Conwy Golf Club when his aptitude became apparent.

“I messed about with a five handicap but got it down to plus five.  I had done various jobs in sport, working with disabled people, and eventually this opportunity came. I played every sport and always said I’d play golf when I was old!”

Williams enjoyed a top 20 finish at Foxhills a couple of years ago and is ready for another battle over its Bernard Hunt and Longcross courses.

“They are two really good courses, very tough and you’ve got to hit it straight because it is tree-lined,” he added.

“There are some good players there and it will be a good challenge.”