Neil Roderick Makes Welsh Double A Family Affair

By Hamish Stuart

Newly crowned Welsh Men’s Seniors Closed champion Neil Roderick added the Welsh Seniors Open at Pennard to his lengthening list of Welsh titles.

This was a family affair for Roderick with his 88-year-old father able to make the relatively short journey from Neath to Pennard to follow for a few holes, along with his brother, Ian, caddying.

The 58-year-old former Walker Cup player had clinched the closed title at Aberdovey, but then also saw off the challenge from the best of the UK, Ireland and Europe by three shots in the Open event after an impressive opening round of 68.

That provided the springboard for his success, a clean sweep of the Welsh Men’s Seniors titles this summer, to add to his two Welsh Stroke Play titles as a young amateur before turning professional for a decade.

It is only the second time anyone has claimed a clean sweep of the Welsh Men’s Seniors titles. Lancashire based Glyn Rees also did the double in 2011.

English pair Karl Wallbank and Danny Holmes finished in second and third places respectively, while there were four Welsh players in the top 10.

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Apart from winner Roderick, Richard Jones of St Enedoc was tied fifth, with Alan Jones, South Pembs, and Phillip Griffiths, on his home course at Pennard, in tied eighth.

“I am absolutely delighted,” said Clyne golfer Roderick. “My 88-year-old father was here to see me as well, my brother Ian caddied for me, all of which was lovely.

“I was the youngest of four boys, our father was a good footballer, took to golf when he was 25, loved golf and got down to a handicap of two without lessons.

“He travelled all over the country caddying for me when I was younger, so for him to be here to watch today was great.

“It was tough out there today, very blustery. It is an Open championship with the best from England, Scotland and Ireland in particular making the effort to come down here.

“That is good for the event and it is nice to play against some of the best players in your age group. It does spice up the tournament a bit, so I am delighted.

“I had six birdies in seven holes on the back nine on the first day, it was quite nice to have that run.

“I did not know any scores today, it was only when I had a six foot putt left on the last that I was told I had a three shot lead. It was nice to relax and see the putt go in.

“It is always nice to win a Welsh title, one to add to the list I suppose, and that makes you feel great.”

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Wales Golf Competitions Manager Dan Fullager added: “Congratulations to Neil on a remarkable double this summer, only the second person to win the Closed and Open events at Seniors level in the same summer.

“It was nice to see a strong Welsh challenge with the top 10 including four Wales players.

“Our thanks must also go to the staff and volunteers at Pennard. The course was in great condition and provided an excellent challenge, while everyone helped the event run smoothly.”

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