Newport’s Andrew Williams will be aiming to become only the second player to defend his Welsh Open Seniors’ title when the championship tees off at Maesdu golf club at the end of June.
The Wales Seniors international won the event at his home club last year, but will be up against another strong entry of 140 players aged 55 and over, of whom more than 20 play off scratch or better.
Previous winners playing include Wales’ Glyn Rees and John Jermine, whilst 2015 winner Michael Mercier has again made the trip from the USA.
David Wilson the Golf Union of Wales championships manager said, “This is an event we look forward to every year.
“The strength of the field seems to grow year on year and we are delighted to see so many international players here this week.
“Maesdu golf club has regularly attracted top level events over the years and it is easy to see why. The course will provide a good and fair test for these elite level senior players.”
Heading up a strong English entry is Stephen East, winner of the 2016 English Seniors’ Order of Merit and runner-up in this event last year.
He is joined by Ian Attoe, currently lying first in this year’s Order of Merit, and a host of English Senior internationals including Alan Mew, David Nelson, Ian Crowther and Mark Stones.
All of Wales’ 2016 Home Internationals team are playing in the championship, including Wenvoe Castle’s Nick Grimmitt who enters the event in fine form having just won the Irish Open Seniors’ Championship at County Tipperary Golf Club.
Maesdu club captain Stephen Williams said, “We are very much looking forward to hosting the Welsh Open Seniors Championship.
“Our championship course ideally lends itself to top level amateur events such as this and we look forward to welcoming all the players and their supporters to Maesdu.”
The entire field will play 36 holes over the first two days (28th/29th June) before being cut to the top 45 and ties for the last round to take place on Friday 30th June. The leaders are expected to start their final round at around mid-day.
Visitors are welcome to watch some of the best senior players in Britain compete for the Welsh Open Seniors title.