Youngest Lady Captain Dwynwen Holgate makes Welsh golfing history

Dwynwen Holgate has become the youngest Lady Captain in Welsh golfing history, taking over the key role at Cardigan Golf Club in West Wales at 20 years old. Dwynwen takes over that mantle as the youngest from Emma Blackburn, who became Lady Captain at Bryn Meadow Golf Club in Gwent last year when she was 22.

Dwynwen works as the Club Administrator at Cardigan, is the Club’s Ladies Scratch Champion, winning that title for the fourth time this year, as well as a former club Junior Champion and Junior Captain.

Her role as Lady Captain started in December. Dwynwen took up golf at 10-year-old at nearby Cilgwyn Golf Club before moving to the links club in Cardigan. She also plays at County level off a handicap index of six.

"I believe I can offer a fresh perspective on the role of Captain,” she said. “With my age and position as the club's administrator, I comprehensively understand the challenges and opportunities facing ladies' golf and the club itself.

"Cardigan Golf Club is an innovative club, and I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities they have provided me."

Dismantling golf stereotypes

Cardigan Secretary Nicola Ward added, “Dwynwen has successfully challenged and dismantled stereotypes.

“She has a refreshing attitude to golf and doesn't take it too seriously. Instead, she is fiercely competitive.

“She joined the club administration team in January 2023 and has proved to be a valuable team member, responsible for all finance support and maintaining club records.

“She also works in front of house in the Pro Shop. She has an excellent knack for engaging in witty banter for someone so young.

“Teaming up with her Co-Captain, the dynamic 43-year-old Matthew Morgan, the Junior captain, Gethin Wilcox, and senior Captain, Rhod Evans, Dwynwen is confident that the club is well-equipped to cater to a diverse range of golfers.

“It speaks volumes about Cardigan Golf Club and its members that a person as young as Dwynwen has so quickly become such a key figure in the running of the club.

"Witnessing someone so young take on such important responsibilities is truly inspiring. This is an exciting time for golf at Cardigan Golf Club, and we extend our best wishes and full support to Dwynwen." 

Dwynwen is a farmer's daughter, educated at Ysgol Aberaeron and a fluent Welsh speaker; she started playing golf with the juniors at Cardigan Golf Club and was Junior's Captain in 2020/21 and was Junior Club Scratch Champion on 2019/20/21 and Ladies Scratch Champion in 2020/21/22 & 24.

She plays at the County level and has entered Wales Golf amateur competitions, and this year, she was crowned Ladies Champion of Champions at Cradoc Golf Club.

Find out more about Cardigan Golf Club by visiting their website here.