Delyth Roberts was a home winner of the Welsh Women’s Open Seniors Championship at Rhuddlan, near where she was brought up in North Wales.

The Worthing golfer, whose parents were life members at Ruthin Pwllglas a few miles down the road from Rhuddlan, came through a four player play-off to claim the title.

The 61-year-old former nurse and midwife shot a level par final round to be in the play-off with fellow Welsh player Catrin Russell, and English pair, defending champion Sally Shayler and first round leader Sara Spencer.

“I am a bit surprised and in shock,” said Roberts, who was also inspired by Wales Golf President and fellow Seniors International Julie Thomas.

“We finished our round and thought that would be it, but then it was a four way play-off with two Welsh girls and two English girls.

“Sally was defending after winning last year, and I knew all the players would be tough competition, but I just stuck to my processes, hit a good hybrid club and chip so I had a tap in for the three to win.

“I never thought I would win this tournament, I came in just wanting to have two solid rounds and to earn some Order of Merit points.

“Julie is the Wales Golf President of course, and before the event she sent us a message that she wanted a Welsh winner this year, saying to do it for the Welsh, so I am as proud as punch.”

It was a particularly good event for Welsh players, with Ann Lewis, Royal St David’s, and Linda Carruthers, Broadway, missing out on the play-off by one shot and sharing fifth place. Rhuddlan’s Helen Brick made the most of local knowledge to finish tenth.

Winning in Rhuddlan was particularly poignant for Roberts, who played county golf in Sussex before moving into the Seniors.

“My Dad was secretary at Ruthin Pwllglas, my Mum was handicap secretary, and they were both given life membership for their services there,” she explained.

“They both played off single figures, and my brother was off scratch playing in the amateur championships.

“We would spend a lot of time at North Wales golf clubs while growing up, but my sister and I did not play then – I only took it up when I finished my Masters, was working full-time and had the urge to go and play golf at the age of 30.

“We lost our Mum during Covid, then Dad passed away in February, so it is gutting for me that they were not both here to see this.

“I trained as a nurse in Bodelwyddan just down the road, but moved to England and Great Ormond Street hospital, then moving into midwifery and eventually relocated down to Sussex.

“When I retired, I dedicated more time to golf and when I turned 60 I had the lowest handicap of my life.”

Roberts was part of the Wales Seniors team at last year’s Home Internationals, which inspired her to get even better.

“When I joined the Wales squad last year, I loved it and that gave me the incentive to improve and to get back into the team,” she said.

“I was just proud to represent my country, with my brother caddying for me. We lost close games in the foursomes, so when I was given a chance in the singles on the final day I was determined to earn a point for my country and was proud when I did.

“It exposed where I needed to work on my game over the winter months and I feel now my game is there when I am patient.”

“Congratulations to Delyth, it is always great to have a home winner of one of our big open championships,” Wales Golf Competitions Manager Dan Fullager added.

“Of course, Delyth was also the Welsh Closed Champion as the top Welsh player. Well done also to Catrin who finished in second, with five Welsh players in the top ten.

“Also a big thank you to all the volunteers and staff at Rhuddlan who contributed so much time and effort to make the event such a success.”

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