GOLFERS IN Mold will be the first to benefit from the legacy of Wales' hosting of the Curtis Cup and AIG Women's Open.
The biennial amateur team clash between Great Britain and Ireland and the US took place at Conwy in 2021, while Royal Porthcawl will be the venue for the AIG Women's Open in 2025 – the first time it will have been staged on Welsh soil.
Wales Golf set up a £35,000 Legacy Fund to capitalise on the two major events, with a series of new facilities to open around the principality.
At Mold in Flintshire, a new seven-hole course has been opened to help new golfers of all ages get into the game.
Club chiefs hope it will give a particular boost to the junior section, which currently has 74 members including two internationals.
Mold also has 36 adults participating in the New2Golf scheme and 24 in Back2Golf sessions with the club's professionals.
It is the first of several short courses which will be opened at clubs around the country.
Wales Golf CEO Hannah McAllister said: "Wales Golf is delighted to see the first of the Curtis Cup Legacy facilities opening in Wales.
"It is important that hosting such high profile international events continues to provide a long-lasting boost for golf in Wales, and facilities such as the new short course at Mold will do just that."
The new course was officially opened by Ken Skates, a member of the Welsh Senedd who also plays golf at Mold.
Club manager Deborah Barton said: "Mold Golf Club is renowned for having one of the strongest junior sections in Wales, and the short course will be used in conjunction with our Golf Academy to deliver coaching and playing experience to new, as well as more established players – both juniors and adults.
"Along with New2Golf and Back2Golf, our conversion rate bringing these new players into the game from coaching is very high.
"The short course is not just for beginners. It will be enjoyed by all members across every age and demographic – right up to elite players.
"We also have a very strong seniors section at Mold GC and we hope they will enjoy playing the short course. We have three members each 90 years old who play at least twice a week and well over 550 regular playing members.
"The short course is another outlet for individuals to enjoy the outdoors and all the wellbeing, physical and mental health, plus social benefits that come with being outside and playing a game with friends in the fresh air.
"The short course helps to make golf accessible to all. It is a game for everyone and we are grateful to the Welsh Government, Wales Golf, the Curtis Cup and the R&A for making this possible."
