Wales Teams

Wales go into the Nations Cup with the ladies leading the way for one of the first major events on the European amateur golf schedule this year.

The mixed European Nations Cup will take place in Sotogrande, Spain, on March 17-20 with three ladies and four men in each team.

Ladies Amy Boulden and Tara Davies have already tasted success in Spain this year and both were in the Wales team along with Gemma Bradbury which beat Scotland in a friendly with current Ricoh British Open champion and Solheim Cup star Catriona Matthew in the Scottish side.

The men’s team sees the continued rise of 16-year-old Rhys Pugh through the ranks as he is picked along with the more experienced James Frazer, Oliver Farr and Joe Vickery.

The side will be coached by Golf Union of Wales national coach Neil Matthews with captain Carl Rowe.

“We have been delighted with the success of the ladies so far this season, Amy, Tara and Gemma have all been showing good form,” explained Golf Union of Wales director of player development and coaching Nigel Edwards.

“The men’s team is also a strong one with Rhys Pugh continuing to gain experience at the senior level.

“We have changed the system this year to put more time and effort into an elite group of players and these seven have all benefited from that this year.

“The door is still open for other players to force their way into that top tier through their approach and performances and we hope the changes will see an improvement across the board, not just with the top players.

“They know they need to deliver improved performances so we are looking forward to seeing how the team does in Sotogrande.”

Pugh has also been named in the Wales Boys team to take on Ireland at the end of the month in Cardigan in West Wales.