Ann Banks On Welsh Senior Success

Retired banker Ann Lewis hit the right numbers as the clinched the Welsh Open Senior Ladies title by eight shots at Holyhead.

The Royal St David’s player hit the best score in each of the two rounds in tricky conditions on Anglesey to claim her second Welsh Open Seniors title, five years after the first.

On that occasion she went on to win the British title a few days later in Northern Ireland at Royal Portrush and she is hoping that is a lucky omen when she heads to this year’s event at nearby Royal Belfast.

Minchinhampton’s Jane Rees was runner-up, a second round 71 being the joint best of the day with Lewis and lifting her up the rankings. Ashburnham’s Sharon Roberts finished third.

“I had a very good first round so I knew I had a chance if I kept it going in the second round,” said Lewis.

“I just kept my head down and kept plugging away to get pars. I know Holyhead, I have played league matches there before, so I knew the layout and there are some holes you just try to get past – though being careful doesn’t always work for me.

“Then the last four holes are a little more open. I was playing with Sharon so I knew our scores, I also knew Jane would come back after her first round, but by the last few holes I knew roughly that I would be OK as long as I did not have a disaster.

“Holyhead was very well presented, the greens were rolling well and the club did a good job of getting it in such good condition after the rain just before the event.

“I live five minutes from Royal St David’s so I practise there a lot and play in most events for the club and the county.

“I won the Welsh title five years ago and then in the same year I won the British seniors at Royal Portrush. It would be nice to do it again when I go to Royal Belfast.”

Golf Union of Wales championships manager David Wilson added, “Congratulations to Ann, it was a tremendous performance in tricky conditions which undid all the other competitors at some stage.

“Also congratulations to everyone at Holyhead who worked really hard to produce an excellent championship, the course was in superb condition.”