WENVOE Castle Golf Club’s place at the top table of golf courses was endorsed on the weekend when they were honoured to host the Welsh Open Youth Championships.

The players, all under 21 years old are the top youngsters from throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland together with a number from France and Germany who made the considerable journey to take part in a field of over 140 entries.

A well supported practice day on Thursday was followed by two qualifying 18 hole rounds on Friday and Saturday and the top 45 scores plus ties playing a further two rounds of 18 holes on Sunday to establish the best scores over demanding four round of golf.

Wenvoe Castle provides a stiff challenge with tree lined fairways and well-guarded greens ensuring the need for extra vigilant course management otherwise stray shots could prove costly.

The first day saw a slight delay in starting but the mist quickly cleared and the competition was played in glorious sunshine with little wind to add to the challenge.

On the first day Keiran Babbage, from the The Players Club, led the field with an excellent 69 (3 under par) but with just a handful of players posting scores under par the course was clearly proving to be tough challenge.

On the first day two holes in one were recorded on the Par 3 second hole and another on the par 4 fourth hole.

Wenvoe Castle Club captain Mike Chick was delighted to present the two players Matthew Dalrymple and Logan Gillies with a Wenvoe Castle shirt in recognition of their achievement.

The cut for the final 45 players proved to be quite high at +9 with just a handful of players posting scores below the 72 par for the course.

The lead changed hands several times during the final two rounds but the consistency of Ryan Dixon from Castle Eden Golf Club reaped its rewards and clinched the trophy with an excellent final score of -6 with rounds of 72, 69, 71 and 70.

He survived a late challenge from Jack Slater (Letchworth Golf Club) who finished on -4 and Rueben Bather (Llandudno Golf Club) close behind on -3. Rueben posted the best score by a Welsh Player and in doing so was awarded the Ben Enoch Memorial Trophy.

Mike, club captain of hosts Wenvoe Castle presented the trophies and congratulated the players on the quality of their play and the sportsmanship shown throughout the tournament.

He thanked Wales Golf for inviting Wenvoe Castle to host the championships and would be delighted to see further events at the club in the future.

Ashton Bradbury, chairman of championship and rules, Wales Golf, thanked Wenvoe Castle for the excellent work in hosting the Wales Open Youth Championships and paid special tribute to Lucy Sellick the head greenkeeper and her team who has presented the course in such fine condition throughout the tournament.

Thanks were paid to the referees and starters and the host of club members who helped with the administration of the event.

The facilities were first class and Nicola Sims, club secretary and her bar and catering team were given special thanks for their efforts over the four days.