Pontypridd are named 2008 Magners Welsh Handicap Team Champions

On Sunday 24 August, at the exclusive Celtic Manor Golf Club, the 2008 Magners Welsh Handicap Team Championship reached its conclusion as teams from the 16 finalist clubs gathered to compete for the title. The Championship was won by the team from Pontypridd golf club, who played brilliantly to seal victory from the runners-up, Celtic Manor and third placed Neath.

Commenting on Pontypridd's second consecutive victory, Dai Davies from Pontypridd, said: "We are delighted to have won here today; to represent the club as defending champions and to play on this fantastic course against some strong competition has been a huge thrill. We didn't think we would win but everyone played brilliantly, perhaps aided by the refreshing Magners we enjoyed at the ninth hole!

"This is a great competition for amateur golfers and it has been fantastically organised by everyone, the GUW, Celtic Manor and the sponsors Magners, we will definitely aim to be back next year to defend our title."

The other members of the team representing Pontypridd Golf Club were Josh Pamplin, Dale Parry and Rhodri Morris.

All the finalists were thrilled to be representing their clubs and to be playing in the Final on the Montgomerie course at the prestigious Celtic Manor. The competition was open to all GUW affiliated golf clubs in Wales and this year more than 10,000 golfers took part with over 100 clubs sending a team to the qualifying rounds. Eight regional finals were held around the country, with the top two teams from each progressing to the Final to represent their club.

Commenting on the success of the second year of their sponsorship, Jules Macken, Magners Brand Manager said: "The competition this year has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted by its success. I'd like to congratulate all the winners and look forward to seeing them back again next year.

"Our sponsorship of this competition has helped to drive the natural affinity between Magners and golf across Wales and we are already looking forward to developing this further as we move into our third year of sponsorship. We will be working with the GUW to continue building on the success of the Championship and encouraging even more golfers to take part"

Richard Dixon, Chief Executive, Golf Union of Wales added: "The 2008 Magners Welsh Handicap Team Championship has been a huge success and like our sponsors we are already looking forward to an even bigger and better event next year."

The Golf Union of Wales has 158 affiliated golf clubs with over 74,000 members, and the Magners Welsh Handicap Team Championship is one of the most prestigious events in the Welsh club calendar. With the continued investment into the competition by Magners this popularity is set to increase.

For further information and more detailed results on this event please go to www.golfunionwales.org.