A GWAUN Cae Gurwen rugby legend has given tips to golfers ahead of the Senior Open that is being held in south Wales later this year.

Sir Gareth Edwards MBE welcomed professional golfers Bradley Dredge and Phil Price to the links course for some pointers.

Mr Edwards, who played for Cardiff RFC, Wales and the British Lions, has been a member at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club for more than 40 years and provided the guests with some tips to handle the ‘demanding’ course.

He said: “We are very excited to have some of the world’s best players coming to the Royal Porthcawl this summer to play in the Senior Open. I’ve been a member here for well over 40 years and we’ve seen some of the best major winners doing their best here on a windy day, it’s a very demanding course. But it will be fantastic to see some of the best golfers in the world playing on our course and we cannot wait.”

Tredegar’s Bradley Dredge, a two-time DP World Tour winner, said: “I’m turning 50 this July and I will be straight into the Senior Open.

“It is a very exciting time for me and my golfing career. The covid-19 pandemic did affect the last few years and then I injured by back last year so it’s been a while since I’ve played competitively.

“I’ve come today to practice as the more I play the course, hopefully the more I will learn the subtleties of the course. I have played the course many times over the years but haven’t for about 15 years while on the tour.

“So lately, I’ve been trying to come down and get familiar with the subtle changes they’ve made.

“This year the Senior Open is a big competition for me, especially as it is here in Wales. I will have a lot of friends and family supporting me that’s always a help. It’s always great to hear the support and have ball spotters!”

The 2023 Senior Open Presented by Rolex will take place at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club between July 27-30. It is the third time the championship has been held at the venue.

Northern Irishman Darren Clarke, winner of last year’s championship at Gleneagles, will be returning to defend his title. When he won the title, he became the fourth player to win both The Open and The Senior Open.

Tickets for The Senior Open Presented by Rolex are available from www.legendstour.com/ticket/the-senior-open-presented-by-rolex-2023-tickets at a cost of £12.50 for ages 16-24 and £25 for adults. Children under 16 are free. Season tickets are available for £95 which will give access to all four tournament days and the practice day on the Wednesday.