St Melyd duo set for Open venue chance
Two Welsh golfers are looking forward to the chance to play at Open Championship venue Royal Liverpool Hoylake a few days before the world’s best players take on the links course.
St Melyd duo Mark Leckey and Matt Williams made the most home advantage at the North Wales course to claim the Welsh leg of The R&A 9 Hole Championship, the winners’ reward being one of the best prizes in golf.
They edged out Langland Bay duo Rhiannon Evans and Sue McGetrick by two stableford points, to earn the right to play a few days before the course hosts The Open Championship.
“It is absolutely fantastic, we were so pleased when the competition was announced because of the chance to play at Royal Liverpool,” said 53-year-old Leckey.
“All our friends were talking about us being the favourites because it was being played on our home course, so we felt a bit under pressure.”
Partner Williams, aged 48, added, “We feel as though we have already won because we will have the experience of playing at Royal Liverpool the Friday before the Open.
“We will be in a competitive frame of mind when we get there, but it is very exciting to have that opportunity.
“This event was brilliantly organised by Wales Golf, along with everyone on the course and from the club helping it run smoothly.”
Wales Golf Competitions Manager Christian Askins said, “Congratulations to Mark and Matt for their win and what a brilliant prize awaits them.
“We have never had a Welsh winner of The R&A 9 Hole Championship so we wish them all the best at Hoylake as they try to break that duck.
“This competition is open to all players at clubs in Wales with a rated 9-hole course and has this fantastic prize at the end of it, so we look forward to having even more club representatives taking part next year.”