Jane On Fairway To Sixth Welsh Seniors Title

Wales international Jane Rees found the fairways to success as she claimed her sixth Welsh Seniors title, in both open and closed events, in Pwllheli.

The Welsh Open Senior Ladies Championship win sets the Minchinhampton player up well for a return to the North West Wales coast for the British Seniors in Royal St David’s, Harlech, in two weeks, as well as the Home Internationals two weeks after that.

It was a good couple of days for Welsh players with Ashburnham’s Sharon Roberts tied second, alongside Guatemala’s Beatriz Arenas in an international field. Creigiau’s Denise Roberts was seventh.

“The key was probably driving well in very, very windy conditions, I only missed one fairway in the last round. That and my caddie keeping me calm,” said Rees, whose final round of 73 was comfortably the best score of the championships.

“The forecast was up to 40 mph winds and Pwllheli was certainly challenging. The first few holes were a little sheltered in the trees, but when it goes out to the sea front we were really exposed and the crosswinds were strong.

“The greens were beautiful and the course was in great condition, but if you did venture off the fairways then the rough was quite deep. I lost my ball the only time I missed a fairway.”

Rees opened with a 76 before claiming a five-shot win thanks to her steady final round.

“There were no leaderboards so I did not know the state of play until I came in,” said Rees.

“I was really pleased with my score but I knew there were other groups who were capable of going low.

“This is my sixth Welsh title, including closed and open championships, so I was quite surprised to win it again. It feel great.

“It is nice to have some good form with the British in Harlech in two weeks, as well as the Home Internationals coming up after that. I really like the course at Royal St David’s, so I am looking forward to that.”

Wales Golf Championships Manager David Wilson added: “Thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Pwllheli who did such a good job of making sure the course was in challenging, but excellent, condition for this event.

“It is always nice to have a home winner of a Welsh Open, so congratulations to Jane. There was a strong field from around the UK, with an international flavour as well.”