Three Wales players have been selected for the Great Britain and Ireland team for the Junior Vagliano Trophy, the biggest Welsh representation ever and making up half the team.

The Junior Vagliano Trophy is one of the biggest events for Under 16 girls golf, with six girls from GB&I competing against the Continent of Europe in a Ryder Cup style contest, to be held in Ireland this month.

Alicia Kelly, from Wernddu, has been selected for the second year running, but this time round she will be joined by Wales colleagues Morgan Bollan of Crewe, and Pennard’s Rebecca Del Sol Gonzalez.

The highest representation in this event Wales has had previously was two players in 2019, when current LET professionals Darcey Harry and Ffion Tynan were both selected.

Apart from that there has never been more than one Welsh player in the combined team.

“For three Welsh players to earn selection in a six-player Great Britain & Ireland team is a tremendous achievement,” said Gareth Jenkins, Wales Golf Pathway and High Performance Director.

“It is fantastic recognition for the players and everyone who has supported their development, and a very proud moment for Wales golf.

“All three players have enjoyed outstanding seasons and have played a huge part in the success of our girls’ programme this year.

“Alicia, Morgan and Rebecca were instrumental in Wales winning the U16 Quadrangular for the first time in eight years, contributing an incredible 17 wins from their 18 matches between them and adding Ffion Richardson’s results making it 22 out of a possible 24.

“They have backed that up with some excellent individual performances at major championships throughout the season, while continuing to represent Wales with distinction on the international stage.

“We wish everyone in the team a great week and success at The Island.”

Alicia Kelly won the Hazards Salver as the leading GB&I U16 player at the English Girls’ Championship.

She was 6th at the Scottish Girls’ Open, 11th at the R&A Girls’ U16 Amateur, 23rd at the Welsh Women’s Open and 17th at the English Women’s Stroke Play.

Morgan Bollan was runner-up at the Scottish Girls’ Open, with rounds of 70, 70 and 76. She followed that with 20th at the R&A Girls’ U16 and T14 at the Welsh Women’s Open.

Rebecca Del Sol Gonzalez was leading Welsh player at the Welsh Women’s Open, finishing T6, and then leading female at the Welsh Open Youth Championship, where she was T10 overall in the mixed event.

That Welsh Open Youth performance also earned her a place in the Faldo Junior Tour European Grand Final in Abu Dhabi.

She was also 4th at the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters and all three represented Wales in the European Girls’ Team Championship and recent Girls’ Home Internationals.”

The 2026 Junior Vagliano Trophy takes place on August 21-22 at The Island Golf Club in Donabate, County Dublin, Ireland.

The elite girls’ amateur international match features under-16 players competing between the Continent of Europe and Great Britain and Ireland.

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