Stephanie set for European championships
Stephanie Evans, from Vale of Llangollen, is included in the women’s squad who will compete in the event to be staged at Conwy.
Evans will be aiming to help the Welsh ladies squad build on last September’s Home Internationals victory at Wrexham.
Luke Jackson, of Mold, and Michael Evans (Clays) are named in the boys squad, with Wrexham’s Chloe Williams and Emma Davies, from Eaton, both named in the girls squad.
Welsh golf director Nigel Edwards has targeted the European Team event as key to Wales’ development.
With the Men’s Championship being played on home ground at Conwy in July it provides an added incentive to the Welsh players to be successful.
Conwy will be hosting Europe’s best amateur golfers in the European Team Championships at the end of June and beginning of July, with Ireland returning as the defending champions and England looking to improve on last year’s second place.
Wales have to go back to 1993 in the Czech Republic when Bradley Dredge led the team to victory with the likes of US Tour player Richard Johnson also in the squad.
“We have high expectations this season – particularly with the European Men’s team Championships which we are hosting in Conwy,” said Edwards. “We want to win championships, we want winners on an individual basis and as a team.
“The boys and girls teams made great strides forward in 2008 and 2009 will give us a further indication of their development.
“Obviously we want to see individual success with Welsh players in the Walker Cup team and Welsh players winning amateur events on the main British amateur circuits – men and ladies.”
The Welsh squads have already had players’ meetings at Whitchurch and Clays, with Edwards and the Welsh coaches, to plan the season.
“That was just to make them aware of what benefits there are in being a squad member, highlighting how they can make the most of it,” explained Edwards. “We need them to communicate with us so we can help them get better.”
Wales international pair Joe Vickery and James Frazer are Down Under in Australia starting their season, with Frazer having come an impressive 11th in the Asia Pacific Championship.
“On the ladies side, losing players to the European Tour is not ideal but if they go out on tour and are successful then that is great because it raises the profile and says we are doing a decent job,” explained Edwards.
“We have lost two of our most experienced golfers in Sahra Hassan and Breanne Loucks and we wish them well. However, many of the ladies that were part of the team at Wrexham have high expectations and are comfortable competing in the amateur game in 2009 before considering the professional circuits. Amateur golf provides wonderful competitive experience.
“Our players turning professional is a double edged sword because you want them to stay in the amateur game for as long as possible in order that Welsh Amateur golf is as successful as possible.
“There comes a time when players have to make decisions about their future careers – we want them to be very successful as amateurs and professionals.”