Lewis lauded after landing Welsh award

Cardiff Golf Club assistant professional Lewis Jones, 31, has been named the Golf Development Wales PGA Professional of the Year by the Golf Union of Wales in recognition of his contribution to junior coaching.

Jones, who has been largely responsible for increasing junior numbers from 50 to 125 at his club, said: “It is nice to be recognised for doing something you love. There are a lot of other pros doing similar jobs but I have always spent a little extra time and put in extra effort to make sure everything is right.

“Receiving this award shows that I am working on the right lines and gives me extra encouragement to do even better.”

Jones, who started as a junior member in 1998, completed his PGA training under Terry Hanson  in 2009, then spent three years playing until he joined the club’s present head professional Adam Constable three years ago.

Jones gets great enjoyment in observing the progress of the juniors. He added: “They improve far more quickly than adults because they are in a constantly learning mode. 

“We made a big push when I restarted at the club and many have become proper golfers.”

Jones and Rob Johnson, the club’s other assistant, have set up the City Golf Academy embracing coaching in schools and the disabled for the benefit of both Cardiff Golf Club and other clubs in the area.

He said: “We expect 50 or 60 youngsters to join clubs when the Academy, which only started in the current school year, gets going at full stretch. We also hold a golf festival at the club.

“The award is also an honour for the club who value juniors and realise the importance of bringing them through. The club see the value in what we do as Rob and I are financed to take regular summer junior coaching sessions.”

Ryder Cup star Phil Price, who will be playing regularly in PGA in England (South & West) events this year, was also awarded an outstanding achievement award at the presentation lunch held at Celtic Manor Resort, sponsored by Future Financials.

The Welsh Golf Club of the Year were Cottrell Park in the Vale of Glamorgan, part of an eight strong shortlist in the strongest entry ever. The other clubs shortlisted were Clyne, Cardigan, Milford Haven, Cardiff, Pyle & Kenfig, Bryn Meadows and former winner Langland Bay.

Cottrell Park have welcomed more than 20,000 visitors during the year, increased playing membership by an impressive 11 per cent, had a strong year for the junior section with 60 members regularly taking part in the club’s coaching programme, and become a GUW certified Coaching Centre.