The only golf course in history to be purpose built for The Ryder Cup has been officially opened on the eve of its first professional tournament.
The new Twenty Ten course and clubhouse were launched by the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister for Wales, on Wednesday May 28 in the company of Sir Terry Matthews, Chairman of The Celtic Manor Resort, and George O'Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour.
The Twenty Ten course, clubhouse and surrounding infrastructure have been built at a total cost of £16 million to meet commitments made by The Celtic Manor Resort as part of its successful bid to stage The Ryder Cup in 2010.
The new course will provide a spectacular challenge for not only the European and American stars of The Ryder Cup but also many of the leading professionals on The European Tour who will see it for the first time in this week's Celtic Manor Wales Open.
At a press conference prior to today's plaque unveiling, Sir Terry Matthews said: "This is a very significant day in the history of The Celtic Manor Resort as we officially open this new golf course and clubhouse.
"We pledged to make the developments necessary to ensure we have the very best facilities for hosting The Ryder Cup in 2010 and we're proud of what we have achieved with the Twenty Ten.
"Our first club members are already enjoying playing a world-class course and reflecting on their rounds in a luxurious new clubhouse which has been built to the highest standards.
"I'm sure the stars competing in The Celtic Manor Wales Open this week will also enjoy the challenge and we look forward to welcoming many more golfers from all over the world - both tour professionals and ordinary players - in the coming years."
Under the supervision of chief architect Ross McMurray of European Golf Design, nine brand new holes were built in the Usk Valley to sit alongside nine existing holes which have been substantially remodelled to match the new design and complete the spectacular new Twenty Ten layout.
Picturesque but penalising water hazards come into play on half of the holes and the course plays to a demanding par of 71 with options to extend the total yardage of 7,352 yards which confronts the players in this year's Celtic Manor Wales Open, taking place from Thursday to Sunday, May 29 to June 1.
The course has also been built with spectators in mind and the steep hillside which rises above the three closing holes offers unparalleled viewing of not only the decisive action at the end of the round, but also over many more holes in the valley below.
The Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister for Wales, said: "This is a facility of which the whole of Wales can feel proud and its opening marks another massive stepping stone as we all look forward to welcoming The Ryder Cup in 2010. "
28 May, 2008