Welsh Golfers Rekindle 100 Years Of Tradition

By Hamish Stuart

Golfers have rekindled one of the oldest cross border club matches in Wales to maintain a tradition started more than 100 years ago.

Links between London Welsh Golfing Society and Carmarthen began in 1907, with the English-based club carrying on the tradition this year while on their annual summer tour to Wales.

The two played a match in Carmarthen with the home team coming out on top, the victory earning the Rees Jones Cup first donated in 1936 by a former London Welsh member who was also President of Carmarthen and gave money to extend the original 12 holes to 18.

Golfers from Carmarthen and London Welsh

Former Prime Minister Lloyd George was the first president of London Welsh Golfing Society, while a series of members who originated from the Carmarthen area also contributed generously to the development of their home course and clubhouse.

“It was nice to be back in Carmarthen and have a chance to investigate the great history between the two clubs,” said Richard Scott, tour organiser for London Welsh Golfing Society.

“It was great to find out the DR Evans Cup, first donated by the London-based businessman in 1908, is still played for at Carmarthen to this day.

“It was good to get such a great welcome and share the links that go back so far.”

The silver challenge cup donated by DR Evans is now played for in the club’s 36 hole competition, while a silver salver donated by London Welsh member Ewart Harries in 1933 is now in the Ladies Trophy Cabinet.