It's proven over the years what a fantastic sporting event, not just a golf event, this has become.
With less than a year to go Wales is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the world's best players to contest the 2010 Ryder Cup. And to whet appetites, opposing captains Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin played an exhibition match over the Twenty Ten Course at The Celtic Manor Resort.
Playing alongside BBC Radio presenter Chris Evans and Bryn Terfel the pair ended all square after nine holes.
Afterwards the two captains reflected on some of the key issues surrounding golf's biggest event including just what it meant to be captains of their respective teams.
"I think it's the biggest honour that could be bestowed on any professional golfer," said Montgomerie who revealed got more pleasure from the Ryder Cup than any personal triumph.
"I've often come back from Ryder Cups with more joy than I have having won myself. I think it's great the way that the European family, as a Tour, are brought together within this Ryder Cup. And to play for each other is a great thrill and especially when the result comes out in a European favour.
"It's been fantastic, and I have enjoyed every one of my Ryder Cups, all eight of them, in all different ways.
"I look forward to the ninth with that same passion, and I look forward with every step within this next year to bringing on site the 12 best players in Europe against the 12 best players in America. It's proven over the years what a fantastic sporting event, not just a golf event, this has become."
It's a very straightforward golf course. It's difficult, but it's right in front of you. And I think it's a very fair test of golf. There's no tricks out there.
Pavin added: "I look forward to leading whatever 12 players I have from the US side and coming over here and competing as hard as we can.
"And the satisfaction I'll have personally is to do the best job I can to give these guys the best opportunity to play their best golf."
With the US not having won in Europe for a while, Pavin revealed he would be telling his team just how much fun it is to win on foreign soil.
"I know last time we won was in 1993 at The Belfry, and I was part of that team.
"It's awfully fun to win on foreign soil, as Colin can attest to that, I'm sure. So that's something that I would like to instill in my players, how much fun it is to win on the other person's golf course. Because it is enjoyable, right? "
During the exhibition match, the 2010 course came under close scrutiny and both Pavin and Montgomerie admitted to being impressed.
"The good thing about this golf course is that everything is right in front of you," said Pavin. "It's a very straightforward golf course. It's difficult, but it's right in front of you. And I think it's a very fair test of golf. There's no tricks out there."
Montgomerie echoed Pavin's thoughts: "I think I can second that by saying that it's a driver's golf course. There's very many in the States that are similar in that if you do get out of position off the tee, then you're playing defensive for your second shots.
"If you're out of position off the tee, you'll find it very difficult to be as aggressive as you want to be because it's a match-play tournament. So it goes back to driving the golf ball straight.
"And remember, our grooves are changing January 1 next year, so it's making the emphasis back on the game how straight we are off the tee, which is what we are all after. I think that rule is a fantastic rule to bring in, and I think it will benefit all golf, and especially around this type of golf course."
The exhibition match was part of the 'Year to Go' Celebrations to mark the countdown for The 2010 Ryder Cup, which will be played over the Twenty Ten Course - the first course designed specifically to host The Ryder Cup - from October 1-3.
The initial ballot for Ryder Cup tickets closed last month, but a second ballot for spectators to apply for tickets opened on Monday September 7, 2009. All unsuccessful applicants from the first ballot were automatically be entered into the second ballot. To enter the second ballot please visit rydercup.com
Ryder Cup Hospitality is on sale now. For more information, please visit www.rydercuphospitality.com or contact our Ryder Cup Hospitality Team on +44 (0)1344 840 483. In addition, Travel and Accommodation packages can be bought exclusively from Ryder Cup Travel Services through rcts.co.uk
21 October, 2009 | The PGA