**From Welsh Rugby to Golfing Greatness: Mark Wyatt Leads Royal Porthcawl on Global Stage**
As the world’s elite women golfers prepare to compete in the largest female sporting event Wales has ever hosted, a familiar Welsh sporting figure stands ready to greet them. Mark Wyatt, former Wales rugby union full back, has taken on the esteemed role of Club Captain at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, the host venue for this year’s prestigious AIG Women’s Open.
Wyatt, now aged 68, is far from alone in blending rugby prowess with the traditions of Royal Porthcawl. The club is renowned not only for its renowned links course but also for an impressive roster of former Welsh rugby internationals among its members. Legends such as Sir Gareth Edwards, Jonathan Davies, Bleddyn Bowen, Dai Richards and Gareth Davies regularly swap stories on the fairways—a point not lost on Wyatt, who jokes that the club boasts “a pretty good back line, but we are a bit short up front.”
This year, however, the focus shifts from rugby heroics to golf as Wyatt leads the club during one of the most significant tournaments in Welsh sporting history. With the eyes of the world set to converge on Porthcawl from 30 July to 3 August, the presence of top-tier golfers—including current world number one Nelly Korda and defending champion Lydia Ko—has caught the attention of both the golfing and wider sporting community.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Wyatt expressed his immense pride at the prospect of hosting the championship. “It’s a great privilege to be Captain this year, and to welcome the world’s best women golfers to Wales is absolutely fantastic. For the club, the region and the nation, this really is something special,” he reflected.
Wyatt’s own sporting journey has been marked by distinction and challenge. He earned his first cap for Wales in 1983, immediately following in the footsteps of the formidable JPR Williams—a daunting legacy for any aspiring player. Remembering those days, Wyatt credits Williams as both an influence and a mentor, particularly in emphasising the fundamentals of defence and composure under pressure. “JPR told me the essentials were your defence, catching the high ball, and kicking to touch—attacking play was always a bonus,” Wyatt recalled. His career included ten Welsh caps and a memorable performance in the infamous ‘Battle of Cardiff’ in 1987, when his five penalties helped Wales to victory over England.
Rugby friendships forged on muddy pitches have translated seamlessly to the greens and club rooms of Royal Porthcawl. “The camaraderie has always been the best part,” Wyatt noted. “We see old mates here, the stories repeat themselves, but there’s always laughter—especially with characters like Sir Gareth Edwards, who still enjoys a round on Sunday mornings. It’s just a joy to share those experiences.”
Following a successful club career with Swansea and then three decades running an IT and telecoms business, Wyatt appreciates the significance of teamwork—whether in sport, business or voluntary leadership. Since selling his business and embracing retirement, he admits that guiding Royal Porthcawl through preparations for the AIG Women’s Open has become almost a full-time occupation. Regular meetings with the R&A and coordinating with various stakeholders have formed the foundation for making this major event a success.
Royal Porthcawl enjoys a deserved reputation, having previously tested champions the calibre of Tiger Woods at the Walker Cup, and has hosted numerous senior and ladies’ golf tournaments. For Wyatt and the membership, extending a warm South Wales welcome to competitors and fans alike is a source of deep local pride.
Wyatt is quick to acknowledge the collective efforts behind the scenes. “None of this would have been possible without unbelievable support—from the dedicated staff at Royal Porthcawl to volunteers from other Welsh clubs, and the broader help of Wales Golf, Bridgend Council and Welsh Government. The community has really come together for this,” he said.
With the AIG Women’s Open promising to put Royal Porthcawl and Welsh golf firmly in the global spotlight, Wyatt hopes local talent will shine too. Home favourite Darcey Harry is set to make her mark, with enthusiastic backing expected from club members and Welsh fans at large. As anticipation builds for the event, Wyatt’s career in rugby, business, and now golf leadership epitomises the spirit of adaptability and sporting passion that bridges generations in Wales.
Tickets for the AIG Women’s Open are available from £20, with free admission for under-16s when accompanied by an adult. Further information can be found at the event’s official website, ensuring the entire Welsh community—and indeed the sporting world—can be part of what is set to be a truly memorable chapter in Welsh sporting history.