Welsh golf rising star Darcey Harry is preparing for the biggest week of her young career as she gears up to make her AIG Women’s Open debut at Royal Porthcawl, with an extra-special advantage by her side: her boyfriend and fellow pro golfer Jacob Skov Olesen will be on caddy duty.
The 22-year-old from Dinas Powys, who earned her Ladies European Tour (LET) card after finishing runner-up at qualifying school last December, is returning to familiar territory for this week’s major championship, being held from July 31 to August 3. For Harry, Royal Porthcawl isn’t just the venue—it’s home turf. She’s been a member of the prestigious South Wales club since her teenage years and has played its rugged coastal links countless times.
Her caddy this week, 26-year-old Dane Jacob Skov Olesen, is also enjoying his first year as a professional golfer. Earlier this month, he made waves at the men’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush, where he shared the first-round lead with major contenders like Matt Fitzpatrick and Harris English after a stunning 67. Though Olesen eventually finished 68th, it was an eye-catching performance in just the second major of his career.
Now, the roles are reversed as Olesen steps into a supporting position for his partner’s second major appearance. He previously caddied for Harry during her breakthrough victory at the Hulencourt Women’s Open in Belgium this past June—a tournament win that not only marked her first professional title but also secured her qualification for the Women’s Open at Porthcawl.
“I think I learned a lot from him being on my bag,” Harry said of Olesen. “The first time he caddied for me, we won—it was such a special moment to share with him. I don’t think I would have been able to do it without him.”
The success didn’t stop in Belgium. The following week, Harry finished tied-fourth at the Czech Ladies Open, continuing a run of strong performances that have propelled her up the world rankings to become Wales’ highest-ranked female golfer at No. 221.
Despite missing the cut in her major debut at the Evian Championship earlier this month, Harry rebounded with a promising tied-38th finish at the Scottish Open last week—an event loaded with elite talent. Now, she’s back home, staying with her parents and savoring home-cooked meals, clean laundry, and the comfort of familiar surroundings ahead of the biggest tournament of her life.
“I just can’t really believe that I’m going to be playing in the Women’s Open at Porthcawl,” she said. “I’m so excited. I can’t put into words how much I’m looking forward to it.”
Harry acknowledges that her knowledge of Royal Porthcawl may offer small advantages—like knowing which lines to take and, perhaps more crucially, where not to go. Still, she’s not underestimating the field.
“These are the best players in the world. They’ll learn the course in a day or two,” she noted.
The AIG Women’s Open is returning to Wales for the first time in over a decade, and Welsh golf fans are eager for a homegrown contender. With her momentum building and Olesen lending tactical support on the course, Harry could be poised for a standout performance.
However, she remains realistic and grounded. “There will be a lot of concentration because there will be a lot of nerves. I have to treat it like every other week, stay in my own zone, and avoid distractions.”
With friends, family, and a supportive crowd likely to pack the fairways of Royal Porthcawl, Harry knows the emotional pull of the occasion. But she also knows that staying composed will be key to rising up the leaderboard.
“If I play my best golf, I definitely think I have a chance,” she said.
The tournament marks just the ninth LET event of Harry’s career—yet already she’s shown flashes of the kind of form that could inspire a new generation of Welsh golfers. And with a familiar course, a successful caddy by her side, and the backing of a passionate home crowd, all eyes will be on Darcey Harry this week as she aims to make history at the AIG Women’s Open.
