Golf tournament aims to bring international interest

Machynys Peninsula course (c) James Snaith

Golf Club Chairman insists the sport can boost international tourism and trade in west Wales.

The Llanelli course is hosting the R & A Seniors Open Amateur Championship until the 10th of August.

144 competitors have come from 19 nations across the world, as far afield as Australia and New Zealand to this corner of south west Wales.

The most striking aspect of this is that all are amateurs, all have funded themseleves to get here. It truely is a competition for the hardcore golfer.

Speaking to Jim Anderson, the Chairman at Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club, he described it as a 'privilege and honour' for the club to host the tournament.

Mr Anderson also pointed out that local business were benefitting from from hosting tournaments such as this one, with all the competitors finding accomondation in the local area and is confident that future gains for business and tourism could come.

'It's exposing the area to the international businessman, I know they have been impressed with the course and the people and they're really enjoying themselves and that all goes well for any potential business that might spring from this.'

One golfer from New Zealand travelled 36 hours straight especially to play at the Llanelli course.

Another, Chip Lutz, an attorney from Pennsylvania flew over to tee off in the tournament after playing elsewhere in the UK.

He told us he had been very impressed with the course and his first experience of Wales and would encourage others from the States to try it.

'They got to have a look, they got to get here! Take the first flight over, it would be worth their while.'

• Tweet

More from Local

• More than 90 Killed by Oklahoma Tornado
• Swansea RFC Clubhouse Thefts
• Bale: New Spurs Deal?

Facebook user?

Join our club today!