Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club

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Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club Secures Major Green Investment: Awarded £23,499 Sport Wales Grant for Solar Power Initiative

LLANTRISANT, WALES – Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club is proud to announce a significant leap forward in its environmental sustainability and financial future. The Club has been successfully awarded a grant of £23,499 from the Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant. This substantial funding will be utilised immediately to install a state-of-the-art solar energy system, marking a new era of eco-conscious operation for the historic course.

In the face of rising global energy costs, the Club recognized the need to proactively manage its overheads to ensure the best possible experience for its members. Following a recent Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) survey, which highlighted the challenges posed by increasing utility bills, the Club’s leadership identified solar power as the most effective solution for future-proofing the venue.

The grant will fund the installation of 62 high-efficiency solar panels. This infrastructure project is expected to dramatically reduce the Club’s reliance on the grid, resulting in a significantly lower carbon footprint and substantial long-term savings on energy bills. These savings are vital, as they will allow the Club to redirect funds away from utility providers and back into the course, facilities, and member services.

To ensure the project achieves maximum efficiency and scope, Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club has also committed £5,000 of its own capital to the initiative. This investment underscores the Club’s dedication to sustainability and its willingness to invest in a greener future for the local community.

A Victory for Teamwork and Leadership

Securing a grant of this magnitude is a complex process that requires technical expertise, strategic vision, and persistent administrative effort. The Club wishes to place on record its immense gratitude to the key individuals who made this possible.

A special vote of thanks goes to Ceri Richards, whose incredible hard work and attention to detail regarding the grant application were the driving force behind this success. Ceri’s dedication was instrumental in navigating the application process and getting this project “over the line.”

Equally, the Club recognizes Peter Draper, whose provision of the essential survey provided the data and insights necessary to build a compelling case for support.

Finally, the Club wishes to formally acknowledge the hard work and unity of the Board of Directors. It was the Directorship’s strategic oversight and willingness to back this project—both in time and financial resources—that allowed the application to succeed. Their leadership ensures that the Club is not just reacting to the energy crisis, but proactively innovating to solve it.

Quotes

A spokesperson for the Club commented:

“This is a transformative moment for Llantrisant & Pontyclun. Like many sports clubs across Wales, we have faced the pressure of rising energy costs. This grant from Sport Wales changes the game for us. By moving to green energy, we are securing the Club’s financial health for decades to come. We are incredibly proud of the team—Ceri, Peter, and the entire Board—who worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality.”

About Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club

Located in the heart of the Welsh countryside, Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club offers a challenging and picturesque parkland course. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent condition, the Club is committed to growing the game of golf while acting as a responsible steward of the local environment.

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT: 2026/27 SEASON

Llantrisant and Pontyclun Golf Club is delighted to announce Gavin Evans as Club Captain for the 2026/27 season, taking over the reins from outgoing Captain Peter Shilton.

A member for nine years, Gavin is a familiar face to many as the Sales Manager at P&P Timber and the driving force behind the Par 68 clothing brand and recent Pro Shop refit. However, his passion lies in the grassroots of our club. Starting as a volunteer when the junior section had just nine members, Gavin a former WalesGolf  Volunteer of the Year has helped grow that number to over 220, helping to earn us “Junior Club of the Year.”

Charity Focus Gavin’s term will support Prostate Cymru a charity close to Gavin’s heart along with being the adopted charity for the club and The Liver Trust. The support for the Liver Trust is deeply personal: Gavin’s son, Kian, was born with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease, and underwent a life-saving transplant at just 8 months old. Today, Kian is a thriving professional and has his own KJE coaching setup.

2026 Key Dates & Events

Please get these dates in your diary and to shout about:

1. Home Nations Finals (France) March 29 – April 1 We start the year celebrating our Junior Section. Eight of our juniors have qualified and will travel to France to represent the club at the Home Nations Finals. Good luck to the team!

2. Captain’s Drive-In April 18 | 9:30 AM Tee Off

  • Format: Texas Scramble.
  • Details:
    • Free entry for everyone. 
    • Buffet and party provided by the club. 
    • Prizes for Nearest the Pins
    • Longest drive

3. Members and Guests Day May 16 A perfect opportunity to showcase our course to friends and colleagues.

4. The Captains Ball July 4

  • Theme: Black tie forma 
  • Tickets: Booking opens soon.
  • Captains Charity Day July 25 Prostate Cymru – Main Charity, The Liver Trust – Secondary
  • Fireworks Night November 7, 2026 A community celebration to close out the autumn season, hosted by the junior section
  • Presentation Evening November 28, 2026 A celebratory evening where we can recognise our winners throughout the year. Men’s and Ladies

Competitions

We are pushing for a robust competitive calendar this year across all sections:

  • Men’s Open: Date TBC.
  • Ladies Open: Andrea Davies is leading the charge to establish a major open competition for women this season.
  • Senior & Junior Opens: Dates to follow.
  • Presentation Nights: To align with the new schedule, we will hold two presentation evenings this year to catch up on the 2024 and deliver on the 2025 season and culminating in presentation night for the 2026 season; this will then go ahead annually to run in line with the competitive season. 

We look forward to a fantastic year of golf and fundraising under Gavin’s leadership.

Llantrisant and Pontyclun Golf Club Committee

Llantrisant and Pontyclun Golf Club Rings in Christmas at the Club With its First ‘Crimbo Limbo’ Texas Scramble

There is a specific feeling that hits right after Boxing Day where the house feels too small and the sofa feels too comfortable. This year, 80 golfers from across the region found the perfect remedy at Llantrisant and Pontyclun Golf Club for the inaugural Crimbo Limbo event.

The day was designed to bridge the gap between Christmas and New Year with a bit of healthy competition, and the turnout exceeded all expectations. Despite the crisp December air, the atmosphere was warm and the camaraderie was exactly what makes this club a special place to play.

A Brilliant Day on the Course

The morning kicked off with a 09:30 arrival deadline, giving everyone a chance to catch up and see who they’d be facing in the draw. At 10:00 sharp, the hooter sounded for the Shotgun Start, and 20 teams headed out to their respective tees.

The Texas Scramble format always brings out the best in our members, and the scoring reflected that. A massive congratulations goes to our winning team: Chris Orr, Luke Robbins, Neall Hollis, and Jake May. Their performance was top class from start to finish, and they’ve set a very high bar for next year’s defending champions.

We also had some incredible individual displays. Kian Evans took home the Longest Drive with a shot that seemed to defy the winter wind, and our “Nearest the Pin” winners showed some serious touch on the greens to walk away with their prizes.

First Class Hospitality

Golf is only half the story on days like this. We want to say a huge thank you to Jack Orell and Porky’s Brunch Clubfor keeping us all fueled. The food was absolutely stunning, both the pre round breakfast rolls and the meal waiting for us in the clubhouse afterward. Having quality food like that makes a huge difference when you’ve been out in the elements for four hours.

Support From the Top

Events like this don’t just happen on their own. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Llantrisant Golf Club Chairman, Directors, Captains, and our President. Their support for the Crimbo Limbo was vital, and it’s great to see the leadership so involved in making these new traditions a reality for the players.

Most importantly, thank you to the 80 players who took part. Your support and energy turned a simple idea into a highlight of the year.

A New Annual Tradition

The feedback was so positive that we’ve decided to make a big announcement: The Crimbo Limbo is here to stay. We will be running this every single year as a free competition for the members and local community. However, we want to use the day to give back to the course we all enjoy. Moving forward, we’ll be holding a raffle at every event to raise money for specific projects around the club.

We are delighted to share that the money raised from this year’s raffle is going directly toward a New Winter Tee. This is a great result for the club, as it helps us keep the course in better shape during the wetter months and improves the experience for everyone.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural Crimbo Limbo proved that there’s no better place to be during the holidays than out on the fairways with a great group of people. We’re already looking forward to next year, and we hope to see even more of you there to help us support the club and shake off the festive fog.

For more information on upcoming events or to learn more about our new winter projects, please visit the club office or check our social media pages.

🎄 Senior Section Celebrates in Style at Festive Dinner & Presentation Evening 🏆

The Senior Section of Llantrisant and Pontyclun Golf Club recently wrapped up the year with a truly special and memorable Christmas Dinner and Presentation Evening. The event, a cornerstone of the Senior calendar, was a resounding success, bringing members together for a night of camaraderie, celebration, and fantastic food.

The evening was held in the beautifully decorated clubhouse, providing a warm and festive atmosphere. Guests were treated to an absolutely fantastic two-course Christmas dinner, expertly prepared by the club caterers, Porky’s, and, notably, fellow club member Jack Orell. The quality of the meal was a huge talking point, perfectly setting the tone for the celebrations.

Senior Captain Russ Francs took a moment during the evening to express his sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the dinner and the smooth running of the section throughout the year. A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Jack Orell and all of his dedicated staff for preparing and serving such a magnificent festive feast. Furthermore, the Captain highlighted the exceptional service provided by the club’s bar staff, Dylan and Nathan, whose tireless efforts ensured everyone’s glasses were full and the evening ran smoothly. Their hard work throughout the year is a huge credit to the club.

A truly emotional and special moment of the evening came when Senior Captain Russ Francs had the honour of presenting a very special and thoroughly deserved award to the President of the Club, John Davies. John’s unwavering dedication and service to the club were recognised with a heartfelt acknowledgment, highlighting his importance to Llantrisant and Pontyclun Golf Club.

The main event of the evening, the trophy presentation, saw many well-deserved winners step up to receive their accolades. The Captain offered his congratulations to all of the winners who showcased their golfing prowess throughout the season. However, there was one member who truly stood out as the star of the show: Gary Venn. Gary had an incredible season, culminating in him taking home an impressive five trophies on the night! His achievement is a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.

Behind the scenes, the Senior Section owes a debt of gratitude to one particular individual. Captain Francs made sure to thank Jeff Lewis for his invaluable work throughout the year, praising him for “running a tight ship” and “keeping everyone in order.” Jeff’s organisational skills and commitment are central to the section’s smooth operation and success.

In his closing remarks, the Captain thanked the section as a whole for their incredible support during his tenure and throughout the golfing year. He highlighted that the spirit, camaraderie, and active participation of the Senior Section make them a huge credit to Llantrisant and Pontyclun Golf Club. They not only excel on the course but also represent the very best of the club’s community spirit.

As another successful year draws to a close, the Senior Section looks forward to more fantastic golf, fellowship, and events in the coming season.

Community Spirit Lights Up the Sky: Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club Fireworks Night A Monumental Success

LLANTRISANT, SOUTH WALES – November 2, 2025 – The skies above Llantrisant were set ablaze last night as the annual Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club Fireworks Extravaganza drew a capacity crowd, culminating in a spectacular display of community engagement and dedicated teamwork. The event, which has firmly established itself as a must-attend local fixture, was not just a night of stunning pyrotechnics, but a triumphant display of the power of the club’s Junior Section, their dedicated parents, and the unwavering support of the club’s management team.

The meticulous planning and seamless execution of the night were entirely down to this collaborative effort. While the professional fireworks display held the attention of thousands, the real stars were the Llantrisant & Pontyclun Junior Section members who worked alongside their parents and club staff. This year, the focus was firmly on promoting the game of golf to the next generation. The Juniors enthusiastically ran a suite of engaging, fun-focused games designed to give younger attendees a taste of golf in a relaxed, non-intimidating environment. From putting challenges to chipping contests, these activities raised the profile of the sport in Llantrisant and successfully encouraged countless children—many of whom had never held a club before—to pick up a club and play. The club extends its sincere gratitude to Welsh Golf for its ongoing support in promoting grassroots participation and helping to inspire future champions.

The scale of the event demanded significant logistical effort, and the success was palpable from the moment the gates opened at 6 PM. The club management and volunteers ensured a smooth flow of traffic for those walking from local areas, and the club thank the members for being part of this success by volunteering their time and effort to see it run smoothly and safely. Crucially, the dedication of the volunteers, led by the parents of the Junior Section, ensured every aspect of the event—from ticket scanning to marshalling the viewing areas—ran like clockwork.

Behind the scenes, the tireless efforts of Gavin Evans and Jason Thomas cannot be overstated. These two individuals have been the driving force, the project managers, and the passionate cheerleaders who have brought this extraordinary event to life over the last three consecutive years. Their vision, commitment to the Junior Section, and sheer hard work have transformed what was an idea of a local display into a major annual success story, providing vital funds and visibility for the club. The entire club, from the members to the management, owes them a profound thank you.

The community’s generosity translated into phenomenal fundraising totals, demonstrating strong local support for the Junior Section’s development and activities. The bar saw exceptional trading, taking over £4000 during the evening. Furthermore, the tea and coffee stand, primarily managed by the parents, was a huge hit on the chilly evening, raising an impressive total of over £500 which will be re-invested into the club through the purchase of a new Gazebo. The other funds raised on the evening will be reinvested directly into coaching, equipment, and competition trophys for the young golfers, ensuring the future of the sport thrives at Llantrisant.

Such a large-scale event would not be possible without the generous support of key local businesses. We wish to express our deep appreciation to our sponsors: Glamorgan Brewery and Heineken for their generous sponsorship and provision of drinks for the outdoor bar; PGS for ensuring the grounds were safely illuminated by sponsoring our event lighting; and to Porky’s, JRS Business Services, and Prostate Cymru for kindly sponsoring the food for our hardworking volunteers, keeping them energised throughout the busy night.

Attendees were spoiled for choice with a delicious array of food and beverages. Local favourite and our own caterers, Porky’s, led by the brilliant Jack Orell, provided high-quality offerings alongside specialist vendors: The Welsh Italian Pizza Company, Fosters Family Frier, Sugar Rush Sweets, and The Maple Crepe Company. This diverse selection ensured there was a treat for every member of the family to enjoy. Entertainment was provided by a background DJ which saw children, adults and volunteers, singing and dancing pre and post event. 

As the smoke clears Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club is already looking ahead into next year. We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 Fireworks Extravaganza will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026 so make sure the date is in the diary.

The success of this year’s event has set a new benchmark, and the club looks forward to welcoming everyone back next year for another unforgettable night of fireworks, food, and community celebration.

Llantrisant Ladies Section Hosts Hugely Successful Coffee Morning Event

The Ladies Section at Llantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club recently hosted a delightful and competitive 14-Hole Coffee Morning Event on Tuesday, September 30th, marking a triumphant return for their social competitions. The event saw fantastic participation, bringing together 33 ladies and underscoring the vibrant community spirit of the club.

The atmosphere was set by the warm, friendly buzz of members welcoming visitors from neighbouring clubs, including Bryn Meadows Golf Club, Creigiau Golf Club, Whitchurch Golf Club, and The Vale. The event served not only as a great sporting fixture but also as a wonderful showcase for Llantrisant’s renowned hospitality. Visiting players were highly complimentary of the warm welcome and generous spirit displayed by the Llantrisant ladies.

Despite the event taking place soon after the club’s annual maintenance week, the course was in excellent condition. Lady Captain Pauline extended special thanks to Matt and the Green Keeping staff for their dedicated hard work, ensuring the course was presented beautifully for the competition.

Bunkers, Bakes, and Benevolence

Beyond the golf, the day was defined by exceptional generosity and fun challenges for a great cause. The Lady Members provided an abundance of delicious home-baked cakes and raffle prizes, which were gratefully received by all attendees.

Adding a fun, charitable twist to the competition, Lady Captain Pauline designated visits to the bunkers on the 9th green as mandatory forfeits, with funds going directly to her chosen charity, Dementia UK. The humorous challenge proved successful, with several ladies—both members and visitors—paying their dues to the charity pot, proving that a little friendly humiliation can go a long way when supporting a worthy cause!

Competition Highlights

The 14-hole format provided a challenging and exciting contest. The competition was fierce, particularly among the visiting players.

The final results are as follows:

HOME SECTION:

  • 1st Place: Bonnie Rees, securing a fantastic score of 34 points.
  • 2nd Place: Sandra Hutchings, finishing strongly with 31 points.

AWAY SECTION:

  • 1st Place: Gill Ridout, winning on a countback with 30 points (ocb).
  • 2nd Place: Chris Anthony, also achieving 30 points.

Individual skill prizes were awarded to:

  • Nearest the Pin: Chris Anthony (Visitor)
  • Longest Drive: Rachel Dancey (Member)

In her closing remarks, Lady Captain Pauline expressed her gratitude, stating, “I would like to thank everyone involved in this, our first event in a very long time, for making it a great success. The feedback from our visitors was wonderful, and it truly highlighted the spirit of our section. I believe it’s now onwards and upwards!”

The triumphant Coffee Morning event has set a high standard for the Llantrisant Ladies Section, promising more engaging and successful gatherings in the near future. The club looks forward to welcoming back their visitors soon and continuing to foster a great atmosphere both on and off the course.