In what has to be a first for some time but the current Archbishop of Wales, Dr. Barry Morgan is today competing in the ISPS Handa Wales Open.
The Archbishop took his place in the Pro-Am alongside top Spanish golfer, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.
- The Archbishop of Wales, Dr. Barry Morgan tees off the first at Celtic Manor. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
According to Wikipedia, Morgan was ordained in 1973 and became a parish priest and later a lecturer in theology. In 1993 he became the Bishop of Bangor and then in 1999, the Bishop of Llandaff.
He has strongly supported the ministry of women priests (in a diocese which had previously shown great reticence on this issue) and has recently appointed a female Archdeacon of Llandaff.
Morgan has written books on various subjects and he occasionally uses the Welsh language during services.
Morgan is currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Wales, a fellow of Cardiff, UWIC, Bangor and Lampeter and President of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs.
And joining him and the Spaniard in the Pro-Am is Welsh Rugby legend, Gareth Davies who was capped 53 times for Wales from 1967 to 1978.
Dr. Morgan plays off a handicap of 21 and is a member of a local Wales club.
However there was a surprise look on ‘Gonzo’s face when he was informed that one of his playing partners was an Archbishop.
“I’ve never met or, of course, played golf with an archbishop before so I better watch what i say,” he smiled.
“But it should be a good day. The golf course is looking great. The sun is shining and we are out here playing golf and certain to have some fun.”
