Thirty-two of the best club teams in Wales will travel to Neath golf club to take part in the finals of the Welsh Team Championship.
President of Wales Golf, Jeff Harries said, “This championship, first played for in 1895, is eagerly anticipated by clubs across Wales each year.
“The 30 teams who have successfully negotiated the qualifying rounds, together with the hosts and defending champions, fully deserve their place in the finals and will enjoy some keenly contested matches as they seek to become the Welsh Team Champions for 2018.”
Pennard, winners of both the Welsh Team Championship and Victory Shield in 2017, will be keen to defend their title and take on North Wales GC in their opening match.
Should they be successful this could set up an intriguing second round match against host club Neath, if they in turn can overcome another North Wales challenge from Northop.
Perhaps the tie of the first round will be Radyr against Wrexham, a repeat of last year’s quarter-final which Wrexham edged in the tightest of matches.
Pyle & Kenfig, semi-finalists in 2017, take on St Pierre in another intriguing game with the winners due to play either Radyr or Wrexham in the second round as part of a tough corner of the draw.
Celtic Manor, runners-up at Rhuddlan last year, play Padeswood & Buckley in the first round with the winners due to play either Woodlake Park or Clyne in the second round.
The pick of the matches in the top half of the draw looks to be Llanwern, always a strong team, who take on Mountain Ash, currently riding high in the Glamorgan County League.
Neath golf club captain Huw Morgan said, “We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious event and look forward to welcoming all of the teams.
“Our course will ideally suit this match play championship and we look forward to some excellent golf and close matches to decide the eventual winners.”
The three-day event starts on Friday 10th August with the final taking place in the afternoon of Sunday 12th August. Visitors are welcome to come and watch the finals of one of Wales’ longest established golf championships.