Archbishop leads Radio 4 service from golf course chapel

In the week of the Ryder Cup, the Archbishop of Wales will lead a special service from the only church in Wales on a golf-course.

A keen golfer himself, Dr Barry Morgan will lead the service at the tiny ancient church of St Peter on the St Pierre Golf Club in Chepstow. It will be broadcast for Radio 4’s Sunday Worship programme this Sunday, at the beginning of the Ryder Cup week in Newport.

Also taking part in the service are ex-professional golfer, Kitrina Douglas, who played in the 1992 European Solheim Cup team, and the director of the Welsh Christian Golf Society, the Rev John Hall.

Mr Hall is a former holder of the Ryder Trophy – a cup presented by Sam Ryder to the Free Church Ministers’ Golf Society 25 years before he founded the Ryder Cup Match.

Dr Morgan said, “Many prayers are offered up by anxious players between the bunkers and the greens of golf courses throughout the country, but this is the only course which actually has a chapel on site.

“This service is a chance for us to celebrate great competitions like the Ryder Cup and to give thanks to God for making us whole people – in terms of body, mind and spirit. It will also remind us that leading a Christian life is something which, like golf, requires lots of practice, patience and the understanding of those around us!”

The Cambrensis Choir, directed by Kelvin Thomas, will lead the music and the service is produced by Sian Baker. As the Norman church only has 19 pews anyone wanting to join in the congregation will have to tune into Radio 4. The service will be broadcast at 8.10am on Sunday, September 26.