Vale 1st and 2nd team win promotion
COURSESGOLF NEWS

Vale Resort 1st and 2nd teams both secure rare joint promotion

2nd Team (From left to right) Gareth Davies , Sion Pennell, Dean Carey (2nd Team Captain), Mark Healey, Rhys Lewis, Stewart Pennell

In an extraordinary season for Welsh golf, the Vale Resort’s men’s teams have made history by achieving a rare and remarkable double promotion. Both the Men’s 1st and 2nd teams clinched their respective division titles, earning them well-deserved promotions in what has been a year of triumph and celebration for the resort.

Leading the charge, the Men’s 1st team, composed of Matthew Gill, Jonathan Williams, Rhys Williams, Kyle Williams, Nick James, and Dave Barrell, has stormed through Division 1A of the Glamorgan County Golf League. Winning an impressive 9 out of 10 fixtures, the team has secured their first promotion to the Premier League in 16 years.

Vale Resort 1st Team (From left to right)
Matthew Gill
Jonathan Williams  
Rhys Williams (1st Team Captain)
Kyle Williams 
Nick James 
Dave Barrell
Vale Resort – 1st Team (From left to right), Matthew Gill, Jonathan Williams , Rhys Williams (1st Team Captain), Kyle Williams, Nick James , Dave Barrell

Their victories over top competitors like Creigiau, Whitchurch, Caerphilly, and Dinas Powys have highlighted their consistent brilliance on the greens. The only minor blip in an otherwise perfect season was a narrow away defeat to Brynhill, but this did nothing to dampen their spirits as they celebrated a long-awaited return to the top flight.

Equally impressive is the performance of the Men’s 2nd team, made up of Gareth Davies, Sion Pennell, Dean Carey, Mark Healey, Rhys Lewis, and Stewart Pennell. This determined squad battled their way through Division 5A, finishing the season with 7 wins from 8 matches. Their final fixture, a must-win game, saw them secure the victory needed for promotion to Division 4. It’s an incredible achievement that speaks volumes about the depth of talent and commitment present in the Vale Resort’s golfing community.

What makes this season truly special is the rarity of seeing both teams from the same club promoted simultaneously. Rhys Williams, captain of the Men’s 1st team, expressed his pride in the dual success: “We are thrilled with the incredible success our teams have had this season. The hard work, dedication, and camaraderie of all our players have been truly inspiring. Achieving promotion to the Premier League after 16 years is a testament to the resilience and talent of our 1st team. Similarly, the 2nd team’s performance has been exceptional, and their promotion is well-deserved.”

Vale 1st and 2nd team win promotion
2nd Team (From left to right) Gareth Davies , Sion Pennell, Dean Carey (2nd Team Captain), Mark Healey, Rhys Lewis, Stewart Pennell

Beyond the achievements on the greens, the Vale Resort continues to grow in prestige. The resort, which boasts world-class golfing facilities, has also been selected as the venue for the Senior PGA tournaments in recent years.

This is a testament to the resort’s standing as one of Wales’ premier golfing destinations, offering a stunning backdrop for both professional and amateur players alike. The Vale Resort’s commitment to excellence is evident not just in the success of its teams but also in its ability to host such esteemed tournaments, further solidifying its reputation on the UK golfing stage.

GolfTimes
Andy Barr
the authorAndy Barr
Editor of GolfTimes
Editor of GolfTimes.co.uk, I’m a communications and marketing professional with a background in global sports branding. I’ve worked alongside major clubs and helped launch sports brands from the ground up, blending strategic storytelling with commercial goals. I also make the odd appearance on news shows to discuss the intersection of sport, branding, and media. - When I’m not editing features or chasing down quotes, I’m usually on the course. I’ve been playing golf for over 10 years and currently play off a 14 handicap. My favourite course I’ve played is Bowood — a brilliant layout with plenty to think about. The toughest course I’ve faced? Bude. The weather was wild, the bounces unpredictable, and my swing decisions… debatable. Still, it’s the rounds like that which keep the game interesting. And humbling.