The Gareth Bale Champion Is . . . Alicia Kelly

Gareth Bale, Welsh Former Footballer. Pic: Every Second Media/Alamy Live News/Every Second Media

Gareth Bale, Welsh Former Footballer. Pic: Every Second Media/Alamy Live News/Every Second Media

Abergavenny’s Alicia Kelly became the first girl to win the Gareth Bale Championship at Celtic Manor, dominating the field to earn a seven-shot victory. Beating the boys in such a prestigious competition is a boost for girl’s golf with less than a year to go before hosting the biggest female sporting event ever held in Wales when the AIG Women’s Open takes place in Royal Porthcawl next summer.

By Hamish Stuart

Abergavenny’s Alicia Kelly became the first girl to win the Gareth Bale Championship at Celtic Manor, dominating the field to earn a seven-shot victory.

Beating the boys in such a prestigious competition is a boost for girl’s golf with less than a year to go before hosting the biggest female sporting event ever held in Wales when the AIG Women’s Open takes place in Royal Porthcawl next summer.

Superstar footballer Bale was on hand to watch the Championship and handed out the prizes, impressed at the young talent on display among the girls and boys in the mixed Under 18’s event.

The popularity gained by the Wales Golf event, which is in its third year, was shown by the remarkable number of entries, with just under 100 able to play with a lengthy waiting list on top.

Fantastic weekend of golf and other games for the Gareth Bale Championship and Festival of Sport.
Congratulations to Ryan Williams on winning the junior golf tournament after battling the elements to produce a superb final round of 72 on the Roman Road Course. pic.twitter.com/6hfNnLbz1E

— Celtic Manor Resort (@TheCelticManor) September 17, 2023

Related News

Jonny Clayton has now won four nights of the Premier League darts events. Pic: Alamy

Woof, Woof! . . . Old Dog Jonny Clayton is leaving his Rivals Howling at the Moon

Jonny Clayton believes he is proving there is still plenty left in the tank after another statement night in the Premier League.

Gareth James | 10 hours ago
Glamorgan captain Kiran Carlson. Pic: Alamy

Glamorgan Captain Kiran Carlson Questions New Replacement Rule

Glamorgan captain Kiran Carlson has questioned the impact of domestic cricket’s new player replacement trial following the county’s Championship defeat to Nottinghamshire.

Graham Thomas | Apr 16, 2026
Wales' Jonny Clayton celebrates after winning. Pic. Alamy

Jonny Clayton Tells Luke Littler it's Time to Chase the Ferret

Jonny Clayton has thrown down the gauntlet to Luke Littler, insisting the teenage star must now “start chasing” him again after reclaiming top spot in the Premier League Darts standings.

David Williams | Apr 10, 2026
Glamorgan's new T20 Blast shirt for this season. Pic: Glamorgan Cricket

Dragonbet Unveiled as Glamorgan Cricket’s New T20 Blast Front-of-Shirt Partner for 2026 Season

Glamorgan have started the season with new faces lined up in all formats and a fresh look to their kit for the upcoming T20 Vitality Blast, as Seb Kennedy reports.

Seb Kennedy | Apr 08, 2026
Glamorgan captain Kiran Carlson. Pic. Alamy

Kiran Carlson Praises Bold Glamorgan Effort in Brave New World of Division One

Kiran Carlson stood firmly by his bold declaration and praised his side’s all-round effort after Glamorgan’s dramatic, momentum-shifting draw with Yorkshire at Sophia Gardens.

David Roberts | Apr 07, 2026
Lauren Price (right) poses with US boxer Claressa Shields. Pic. Alamy

Price Increase . . . Lauren Wants Claressa Shields Showdown More Than Ever

Lauren Price has set her sights firmly on a blockbuster showdown with Claressa Shields after battling through blood and adversity to defend her world titles in Cardiff.

Gareth James | Apr 06, 2026