Welsh National returns to its roots
23/03/2015
PGA Professionals from across Wales will look to take their place in the history books when the Welsh National PGA Championship returns to its roots for the first time in almost 40 years.
The historic Radyr Golf Club will play host to the Asbri-supported event on July 8-9, 111 years after its famous Harry Colt-designed layout staged the inaugural tournament in 1904.
On that occasion Tenby’s Arthur Day came out on top, beating competitors including host professionals J Arnold and R Wakerley to the top prize.
Radyr has since hosted the prestigious tournament four times, the most recent of which was in 1976 when Simon Cox, now of Cottrell Park, took the honours.
He joined a glittering list of past champions including the likes of Peter Alliss’ father Percy, Ian Woosnam and Sid Mouland, who dominated the event in the sixties with no less than six victories.
Jeff Price, club captain of Radyr, said: “It is a great honour to host the 2015 Welsh National PGA Championship and we would like to thank sponsors Asbri Golf, our head professional Simon Swales and The PGA for facilitating its return to Radyr.
“I look forward to the week and seeing some of Wales’ leading professionals in action.”
Among those in action will likely be defending champion and former European Tour player Stephen Dodd – he made it a hat-trick with his third Welsh National victory at Royal St David’s last year.
The ex-European Open winner from Barry saw off a determined challenge from Garry Houston in a tense play-off beneath the iconic Harlech Castle.
| 1976 | Simon Cox |
| 1958 | RH Kemp |
| 1949 | H Gould |
| 1906 | J Ross |
| 1904 | Arthur Day |
Ben Groutage, head of tournaments at The PGA said: “We are very excited that this year’s Welsh National PGA Championship is returning to Radyr GC – the host of the inaugural championship over one hundred years ago.
“With the continued support of Asbri this championship remains a prominent part of our national PGA schedule.”
Eryl Williams, managing director of Asbri Golf, added: “We have a very close working relationship with all the team at Radyr and know they will stage a fantastic tournament.
“The course is always in exceptional condition and will be a great test for the players. It’s fantastic to give something back to the Welsh professionals who continue to support our thriving business and we are thoroughly looking forward to the week.”
To see all the pictures from last year’s event please click here
