Six-week beginner programme offers affordable route into the sport

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE GOLF CLUB is preparing to launch its popular New2Golf scheme for 2026, with the latest intake starting on Monday (Apr 13).

Now in its eighth year at the Pembroke Dock course, the initiative offers a low-cost and welcoming introduction to golf. All equipment and professional tuition are included for a small fee, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities – including complete beginners who have never picked up a club before.

The scheme is also ideal for those who have previously played golf and are looking to return to the game after a break.

Participants will receive coaching from qualified golf professionals at the club’s practice ground during early evening sessions over a six-week period. There will also be an option to continue with further sessions after the initial programme.

Golf provides a great opportunity to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. As a low-impact sport, it allows players to gradually build fitness while learning new skills. Whether approached competitively or socially, it offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Last year’s New2Golf intake ranged in age from eight to 70, highlighting the sport’s broad appeal and accessibility.

Located in Pennar, Pembroke Dock, South Pembrokeshire Golf Club enjoys scenic views over the Haven waterway. The club has a thriving membership across junior, ladies’, men’s and seniors’ sections, and prides itself on being friendly and supportive to new players.

Members regularly help newcomers develop their skills on the course, offering guidance on rules, techniques and course play.

The clubhouse also serves as a social hub, offering home-cooked food, a bar and meeting facilities, with a busy calendar of events throughout the year.

Anyone who has ever considered taking up golf – or returning to the sport – is encouraged to get involved.

For more information or to enrol in the 2026 New2Golf scheme, contact [email protected] or visit the Wales Golf website.

New2Golf is organised and supported by Wales Golf.

Jones strike secures vital win as County stay top of play-off conference

HAVERFORDWEST County returned to winning ways on Friday (Mar 13) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cardiff Metropolitan at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

Substitute OWAIN JONES proved the difference, scoring with ten minutes remaining to seal all three points for the Bluebirds in front of a crowd of more than 500.

The result means County maintain their four-point lead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier Play-Off Conference with just four games left to play.

Slow first half

Chances were limited during a quiet opening period, with neither side able to gain control.

The game was disrupted by a lengthy 12-minute stoppage after Cardiff Met striker Lewis Rees required treatment following a collision with Panashe Makwiramiti.

When play resumed, both sides struggled to build momentum. Dylan Rees came closest for the hosts before the break, first delivering a dangerous cross that narrowly missed teammates before seeing a long-range effort drift just wide.

Cardiff Met’s best opportunity came late in the half when Dixon Kabongo fired over from inside the area.

Pressure builds after break

County looked sharper after the restart and began to apply sustained pressure.

Greg Walters saw a header deflected wide early in the second half, before the hosts had the ball in the net moments later, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Dan Hawkins then forced a low save from goalkeeper Ewan Griffiths, while Walters again went close with an effort from inside the box.

With chances continuing to come and go, manager Tony Pennock turned to his bench, introducing Owain Jones and Iori Humphreys midway through the half.

Jones strikes late

The breakthrough finally came on 80 minutes.

A corner caused confusion in the Cardiff Met defence, and the ball fell kindly for JONES, who bundled it over the line from close range to send the home supporters into celebration.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser late on, but Ifan Knott was rarely troubled as County held firm through the closing stages.

The victory sees Haverfordwest County strengthen their position at the top of the Play-Off Conference as they head into the final weeks of the season.

They are back in action on Saturday (Mar 21) when they travel to Bala Town.

Cover image:

Greg Walters shifts the ball away from Cardiff Metropolitan captain CJ Craven. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)

Member clubs to vote on leadership changes and governance reforms

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION has confirmed that an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) will take place at 6:00pm on Monday (Apr 13) at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The meeting was formally requested by member clubs last month and will, for the first time under governance changes introduced in 2023, be accessible both in person and online. Clubs unable to attend will also be able to vote in advance via proxy, ensuring all members can take part in the decision-making process.

The EGM was triggered after a requisition notice was signed by 50 of the Union’s 282 member clubs.

Three key motions will be put to a vote.

The first proposes fresh elections for four Welsh Rugby Union Council members who currently sit on the Board of Directors, with new elections to be held within 14 days if the motion passes.

The second motion seeks to amend the Union’s Articles of Association to allow any four Council members to serve on the Board, replacing the current structure which requires representation from both district and national council members.

The third motion calls for a vote of no confidence in the WRU’s independent chair, Richard Collier-Keywood, which would result in his immediate resignation from the Board if approved.

The first two motions are classified as special resolutions and will require a 75 per cent majority to pass. The third motion is an ordinary resolution and requires a simple majority of 50 per cent.

The WRU Board has recommended that member clubs vote against all three motions and has issued an explanatory note outlining its position.

The outcome of the meeting is expected to have significant implications for the future governance and leadership of Welsh rugby.