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.

Popular coastal event returns with strong turnout and community support

HUNDREDS of athletes descended on Fishguard on Sunday (June 15) for the annual Fishguard Triathlon, with competitors tackling a challenging course that included a sea swim, hilly bike ride, and a scenic run along the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The event, which is now firmly established on the Welsh triathlon calendar, saw wetsuit-clad swimmers charge into the water from the slipway near Ocean Lab, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of spectators lining the rocks and harbour walls. The race then moved onto the roads for a testing cycle through the surrounding hills before returning to the seafront for the final run.

Local police officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team were on hand to support the event, including PCSO Carwyn Phillips and Sergeant Matt Wells—who recently took up the post of NPPT Sergeant for Milford Haven. Officers were seen chatting with members of the public and helping to keep the busy event running smoothly.

Sergeant Wells told The Herald: “It’s great to be part of such a positive event for the community. The turnout was fantastic and the atmosphere along the route was brilliant. I’d encourage anyone who sees me out and about in Milford Haven or Neyland to come and say hello.”

The triathlon was supported by volunteers, marshals, and safety crews, including surf rescue teams keeping a close eye on swimmers. Residents from Fishguard and the surrounding area came out in force to show their support, with many lining the roads and harbour wall throughout the morning.

The event is part of a wider series organised by Activity Wales Events and continues to grow in popularity year-on-year, drawing entrants from across Wales and beyond.

WELSH cycling superstar Geraint Thomas is entered in the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships in Ceredigion next week.

Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers), twice national champion, twice Olympic champion and 2018 Tour de France winner, is entered in the road race and time-trial in what would be his last National Road Championships, having announced he is retiring at the end of the year.

Twenty former cycling national road champions headline the provisional rider list for the championships in Ceredigion, which gets underway on Thursday, June 26. Riders will compete in both Aberaeron and Aberystwyth, with routes taking then both inland and along the coastal road.

Cat Ferguson (Movistar Team) will be one to watch in the women’s elite road race and under-23 time-trial. Ferguson is fresh from an impressive 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women campaign where she claimed both the points classifications and best young rider jerseys, the best British rider accolade and a career-first stage win in Kelso.

Three-time national road race and 2022’s under-23 time-trial champion Pfeiffer Georgi (Team Picnic PostNL) is set to defend her title. Anna Henderson (Lidl-Trek), who won the time-trial last year in preparation for her silver-medal winning performance in the Olympic time-trial, also returns.

Max Walker (EF Education–EasyPost) will be looking to go one better after winning silver last year in the national road elite time-trial, while Seb Grindley (Lidl – Trek Future Racing) will be keen to build on his junior silver at worlds last year in the under-23 time-trial.

Welsh riders include Owain Doull (EF Education – EasyPost), sisters Zoe (CANYON-SRAM zondacrypto) and Elynor Backstedt (UAE Team ADQ) and Elinor (Uno-X Mobility) and Megan Barker (Tekkerz CC).

Twice national champion, twice Olympic champion and 2018 Tour de France winner, Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) is entered in the road race and time-trial in his home country in what would be his last National Road Championships, after announcing he is due to retire at the end of the year.

Aberaeron’s hometown hero Josh Tarling (INEOS Grenadiers) is hoping to return to make it a hat-trick and defend his time-trial title from the previous two years, while Tomos Pattinson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development) will aim to defend his U23 men’s time-trial title from last year.

The 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships provides a fantastic platform for British riders to enjoy the home roads and experience the support of friends, family and local fans.

A total of 10 coveted national champion’s jerseys are up for grabs across three days of racing, with the time-trial on Thursday, June 26, the circuit race on Friday, June 27 and the road race concluding the action on Sunday, June 29.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “We are pleased to see such an exciting line up for the Lloyds National Road Racing Championships and we look forward to welcoming the riders and supporters to Ceredigion.”

For more information about the routes of all three stages, the race, host venues and participating teams, visit: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/nationalroadchampionships

The 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships starts with a challenging time-trial in Aberaeron on June 26. Starting in Ffos-y-Ffin, the elite women, under-23 women and under-23 open will take to 27km of road, while the elite open will have to battle over 41km.

Aberystwyth plays host to both the circuit race on June 27 and the road race on June 29, allowing fans to come down and watch their favourite national riders battle for the title.