Former Investment Manager Crowther Banks Welsh Seniors Crown

A retired investment manager, who has done his golf career back-to-front, got a birthday present a day late by winning the Welsh Open Seniors Championship title at Maesdu in North Wales.

England international Ian Crowther, who is a member at Open Championship venue Royal Lytham and St Annes, had birdies at 16 and 17 in the final round to thank for coming through the field on the final day to claim his biggest win.

Morlais Castle’s Michael Gwyther was the top placed Welsh competitor, tied fifth, while Nigel Evans from St Mellons was 10th.

“This is my first national title so I am very happy, I am over the moon to have won the Welsh Open,” said Crowther, who celebrated his 59th birthday after a tough second round of 78 in windy conditions.

“I was joint leader after the first round, but then the second round blew everyone away and I dropped back, but two under on a blustery day at Maesdu proved enough in the third round. It was my birthday on the second day and that was my worst round.

“It was a tough week in the wind and the rain, but the camaraderie of the seniors and the quality of the golf course made it fantastic.

“The green staff did a great job and I would like to thank everybody at the club and the Golf Union of Wales for an event which was run extremely well.

“It is my first senior open championship after finishing second at the Spanish and third in the Portugese.

“I have done my golf the opposite way round to most people. I came back to golf after starting a business and having a family and got to scratch for the first time when I was 40, then +1 at 41 and have been around there ever since.

“It means maybe I have a different way of looking at the game. I joined the seniors three years ago and they are a great bunch of guys and the standard is really high.”

England’s MH Stone and Ian Attoe were second and third, part of a strong English showing at the event on the North Wales coast.

“Congratulations to Ian on a fine last round which was enough to win the title,” said Golf Union of Wales championships manager.

“Congratulations also to everyone at the Maesdu club who helped put on such a good event. The course was challenging but fair and in good condition, the seniors really enjoyed playing there and there were a lot of positive comments.”