WELSHMAN Colin Jones came back home to claim the Welsh Seniors Amateur title at Aberdovey GC.

The retired West Sussex banker is proud of his Welsh roots, and hopes the win will help him gain selection for the Wales Seniors team for the Home Internationals later this summer, after only turning 55 in April this year.

He was the only player to register two sub-70 rounds in windy conditions at the coast, to beat Nigel Evans of St Mellons, with Nick Grimmitt of Wenvoe Castle and Paul Bloomfield of Kingsdown tied in third.

“I had heard of Aberdovey before, but it was fabulous to play there and I managed to play well,” said Jones.

“The first day was disrupted by fog and I did not play very well, but I managed to play very solidly after that to close with a 69 and a 68. It held off Nigel, who had scored a tremendous 67, to give me the fright of my life.

“I won the Sussex Seniors a fortnight ago, but this is a different level and so I am really pleased. I retired from corporate banking 12 months ago and I’ve played a lot of golf since then.

“My father was from Abergavenny and we used to come back every summer to visit the family farm.

“Dad was very patriotic, so I was brought up supporting Wales, and I made the decision to enter into the Welsh Closed 30 years ago.

“I hope this win will help me get selected for the Welsh Seniors, it would be a big thrill to play in the Home Internationals.”

Golf Union of Wales championships manager David Wilson said: “Congratulations to Colin who was the most consistent player over the three and was the only player to finish under par.

“Aberdovey was in superb conditions and an excellent test for the players, but with the wind blowing it was always going to be tough.”