Sport

Wales Golf launches ‘Give Golf a Go’ campaign to inspire more women to get involved

Published

3 weeks ago

June 20, 2025

WALES GOLF has announced the official launch of its new flagship participation campaign, ‘Give Golf a Go’, aimed at encouraging more women and juniors across Wales to take their first steps into the sport in a welcoming, supportive and accessible way.

The campaign launched on 17th June, at the Summer of Welsh Women’s Sport ‘New2Golf’ event at the Vale Resort, marking a significant moment for the game in Wales and follows on from the initiatives introduced by Wales Golf to make the game more welcoming for women and girls, such as the £1 million investment from Welsh Government to improve facilities at golf clubs across Wales.

Some of Wales’ biggest sporting names attended the event, including Welsh rugby stars Sian Jones and Molly Reardon, cricket sensation Bethan Gammon, and netball aces Elle McDonald, Leah Middleton, KC Chawane, and Alex Johnson.

They were also joined by Wales Golf squad member Harriet Lockley, and the first British female judoka to achieve the world No. 1 ranking, Natalie Powell, who in retirement has joined Wales Golf staff, with the event’s sessions being coached by former Wales Golf team player Jordan Ryan.

The ‘New2Golf’ event marks a major moment in the sporting calendar, building anticipation ahead of the AIG Women’s Open; one of the most prestigious tournaments in women’s golf, which, for the first time in its history, will be hosted in Wales later this year.

Adding to the excitement, Welsh rising star Darcey Harry has recently qualified for the AIG Women’s Open after claiming her first title on the Ladies European Tour, meaning she will be competing at her home course, Royal Porthcawl.

The event provides a unique opportunity to inspire a new wave of female golfers at all levels by showcasing elite women’s sport on Welsh soil.

‘Give Golf a Go’ is the culmination of a wider strategy by Wales Golf, Everyone’s Game, to grow participation and make the sport more inclusive.

While golf has seen increased interest among women and girls in recent years, they remain underrepresented in playing and club membership figures.

This campaign is designed to challenge perceptions that golf is exclusive or inaccessible, and instead present it as a friendly, flexible, and affordable activity open to all.

Hannah McAllister, CEO of Wales Golf: “We know that when women and girls are given the chance to try golf in the right environment, they find real joy in it. But for some, the sport has felt closed off or intimidating.

‘Give Golf a Go’ is our way of showing that golf can fit into your life, whether you’re looking for a fun social activity, a new hobby, or a way to support your mental and physical health.

You don’t need to have played before, and you certainly don’t need to own clubs. You just need to be curious.”

The campaign draws on the foundations laid by Wales Golf in recent years to improve accessibility through initiatives such as the New2Golf programme, which has introduced thousands of adults to the game in friendly, non-competitive environments.

The initiative also supports Wales Golf’s junior development pathway, which helps young players build confidence, develop skills and progress at their own pace.

The introduction of Flexi-Club has also made it easier for new or returning players to attain official handicaps without the commitment of full club membership.

Over the course of this summer, after the AIG Women’s Open, facilities across Wales will host a wide range of ‘Give Golf a Go’ sessions, each tailored to complete beginners.

Golf is a uniquely rewarding sport. It combines light physical activity with time outdoors, offering proven mental health benefits, a strong social element, and the chance to build lasting friendships.

Unlike many sports, it is not limited by age or ability, making it an ideal lifelong activity. Importantly, no previous experience or equipment is needed, just a willingness to give it a go.

Whether you’re looking for a new way to stay active, meet like-minded people, or simply try something different this summer, ‘Give Golf a Go’ is the perfect starting point.

To learn more about how to get involved, visit https://www.walesgolf.org/give-golf-a-go.

Sport

IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea to make Welsh history this weekend

Published

13 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Herald Sport

World-class triathletes descend on South Wales as Swansea hosts its first-ever IRONMAN Pro Series event

WALES will play host to a major milestone in triathlon history this weekend as IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea becomes the first-ever IRONMAN Pro Series event to take place on Welsh soil.

The race, held on Sunday (July 13), marks the twelfth stop on the 2025 global tour and is expected to draw thousands of spectators to the Swansea seafront. More than 60 professional athletes and over 2,500 age-group competitors will take part in the prestigious swim-bike-run event.

Among the elite contenders is reigning Swansea champion Harry Palmer (GBR), making his season debut, alongside Kat Matthews, the 2024 IRONMAN Pro Series champion, and Kristian Høgenhaug (DEN), who finished third in last year’s standings.

With $50,000 in prize money and up to 2,500 series points at stake, the event carries serious weight for those chasing the overall series crown and qualification slots for the 2025 IRONMAN World Championships in Nice and Kona.

Race day will begin at 7:00am with the professional men’s start, followed by the pro women at 7:05am, and the mass start for age-group athletes at 7:10am. The course features a scenic but challenging route, with a city-centre finish expected to be buzzing with spectators.

The event will also be broadcast live across the world on platforms including YouTube, DAZN, Outside TV (US and Canada), and ESPN via Disney+ (Latin America and Caribbean).

Speaking ahead of the event, organisers said Swansea had earned its place on the global calendar. “Bringing the Pro Series to Wales is a huge moment for triathlon in the UK, and especially for South Wales,” a spokesperson said.

A free-to-attend Pro Athlete Panel will take place at 2:00pm on Friday (July 11) at the Waterfront Museum’s Ocean Room, offering the public a chance to meet some of the sport’s biggest stars.

Among those set to speak are Germany’s Anne Reischmann, who currently leads the 2025 standings, and Britain’s Lizzie Rayner, who already has two podium finishes this year.

The oldest registered athlete is David Ransom, aged 77, while the youngest is 18-year-old Jaden Morgan, highlighting the sport’s wide appeal.

Media wishing to attend must register in advance, with accreditation closing on Friday. Race-day walk-ins will not be granted access to restricted areas.

Education

Pupils’ multi-sports event hits the target

Published

3 days ago

July 8, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MORE than 60 pupils have enjoyed trying out a range of different sports in a special
Sport Pembrokeshire event held last month

The event was held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun with 65 pupils
from Years, 4,5 and 6 and the ALN unit taking part.

The sessions were run by local community clubs and Young Ambassadors from
Ysgol Bro Gwaun with pupils getting to enjoy rugby, cricket, hockey, archery and golf.
Sharon Osborne from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, said: “Thanks to Sport Pembrokeshire
for organising a fantastic morning of activities for our pupils. They all thoroughly
enjoyed themselves.”

Dan Bellis of Sport Pembrokeshire, added: “A big thanks to Fishguard & Goodwick
Hockey Club, Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club and the Young Ambassadors
from Ysgol Bro Gwaun for putting on a fabulous morning of activities in glorious
sunshine!

“A big well done to all the pupils from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun for their effort and
enthusiasm throughout the morning.”

Sport

Cresselly stay top as Lawrenny skittle Llangwm for just 39

Published

3 days ago

July 7, 2025

Herald Sport

Dominant wins across the divisions as league tables begin to take shape

CRESSELLY retained their place at the top of Division 1 of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Burton on Saturday (July 5).

Charlie Arthur led the chase with an unbeaten 65, while Simon Cole ripped through Burton’s batting with 4-8. The reply was brisk, with Cresselly reaching the target in under 18 overs.

Lawrenny produced a bowling masterclass to dismiss Llangwm for just 39. Rob Williams (6-12) and Jamie Lewis (4-23) shared the wickets before Lawrenny cruised to a 10-wicket win.

Herbrandston beat Neyland by 90 runs thanks to a strong showing with bat and ball. Charlie Malloy scored 68 and Jack Nicholas added 51 before Nathan Banner claimed 3-12.

Saundersfoot beat Haverfordwest by 81 runs with Tom Mansbridge taking 4-14 and Nick Cope chipping in with 4-28.

Carew chased down 134 to beat Whitland by three wickets. Brian Hall scored 33, while James Hinchcliffe finished on 28 not out and took 2-36 with the ball.

Division 1 Table

Pos	Team	P	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Pts
1	Cresselly	11	10	1	37	47	192
2	Carew	11	9	2	42	52	186
3	Saundersfoot	11	7	4	40	47	164
4	Herbrandston	11	7	4	36	45	155
5	Neyland	11	6	5	35	44	141
6	Lawrenny	11	6	5	31	45	138
7	Whitland	11	4	7	37	32	113
8	Burton	11	3	8	35	38	103
9	Haverfordwest	11	3	8	32	34	98
10	Llangwm	11	0	11	21	20	41

Division 2 Table

Pos	Team	P	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Pts
1	St Ishmaels	11	9	2	46	51	187
2	Pembroke	11	8	3	53	47	180
3	Narberth	11	8	3	50	50	180
4	Hook	11	8	3	48	41	172
5	Llechryd	11	6	5	42	41	146
6	Cresselly II	11	6	5	43	29	136
7	Johnston	11	5	6	39	42	131
8	Carew II	11	3	8	39	38	110
9	Llanrhian	11	1	10	45	18	73
10	Burton II	11	1	10	29	22	61

Division 3 Table

Pos	Team	P	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Pts
1	Fishguard	11	10	1	37	41	186
2	Pembroke Dock	11	9	2	37	50	184
3	Lamphey	11	6	5	38	38	138
4	Hundleton	11	6	5	36	38	138
5	Stackpole	11	5	6	42	35	130
6	Haverfordwest II	11	4	6	44	37	126
7	Laugharne	11	4	6	39	30	114
8	Kilgetty	11	4	6	42	26	108
9	Hook II	11	3	7	34	19	83
10	Neyland II	11	2	9	31	23	74

Division 4 Table

Pos	Team	P	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Pts
1	Pembroke II	11	10	1	47	47	198
2	Saundersfoot II	11	9	1	44	45	179
3	St Ishmaels II	11	7	4	48	42	160
4	Crymych	11	6	4	44	34	138
5	Haverfordwest III	10	4	5	40	33	133
6	Lawrenny II	11	5	5	37	38	125
7	Carew III	9	4	4	38	26	104
8	Llangwm II	11	2	9	47	25	92
9	Llanrhian II	10	1	8	36	22	88
10	Narberth II	11	2	9	36	22	79

Division 5 Table

Pos	Team	P	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Pts
1	Llechryd II	11	9	1	43	46	192
2	Herbrandston II	11	9	2	43	50	190
3	Pembroke Dock II	11	7	3	44	39	157
4	Whitland II	9	4	4	32	19	113
5	Haverfordwest IV	10	3	6	38	26	104
6	Hundleton II	10	4	5	33	23	100
7	Cresselly III	10	2	7	41	28	89
8	Neyland III	10	0	10	33	8	40