Nick Dougherty Confirmed for The Celtic Manor Wales Open

England’s Nick Dougherty has announced that he will play in this year’s Celtic Manor Wales Open over the Roman Road Course at The Celtic Manor Resort from June 1-4. Currently ranked Number 62 on the Official World Golf Ranking, he is one of many contenders for a coveted place in this year’s European Ryder Cup Team to face the United States at The K Club in Ireland in September.

Dougherty currently occupies eighth position on the European Ryder Cup points list and tenth place on the World points list. Two rounds of 65 at last year’s tournament put Dougherty into contention on the final day but, along with the rest of the field, he was unable to prevent Miguel Angel Jiménez of Spain powering to a four shot victory.

A final round of 69 did, however, enable him to secure a share of 12th place, his best performance so far at The Celtic Manor Resort. This year, with vital Ryder Cup points at stake, he is eager to mount another major challenge for The Celtic Manor Wales Open title.

Before turning professional, Dougherty enjoyed a superb career as an amateur and was a leading member of six-time Major Champion Nick Faldo’s Team Faldo and Faldo Series, winning the Faldo Junior Series in 1997, 1999 and 2000. The Celtic Manor Resort is the home of these initiatives and will host the final of the 2006 Faldo Series from October 4-6 on the same Roman Road course on which Yhe 2006 Celtic Manor Wales Open will be played.

Jon Phelps, Director of The Celtic Manor Wales Open, said: “Nick is clearly one of the brightest young British prospects on The European Tour and he has a great chance of making it into the European side at The K Club this year. He is also a fantastic example of the success of the Faldo Series that we are delighted to play host to at The Celtic Manor Resort.

“I wish Nick every success for the tournament and I know that our spectators will once again give him every encouragement to make a sustained challenge for The Celtic Manor Wales Open title”.

With a world class field, a new tournament identity inspired by the pop art of Roy Lichtenstein, an expanded Ladies Day, the Junior Wales Open presented by Coca Cola and the announcement of new sponsors, this year’s event looks set to become the most high profile tournament ever held at The Celtic Manor Resort.

Confirmed entrants for this year’s tournament include Colin Montgomerie, the most successful golfer in Europe in 2005 and currently ranked Number 18 in the world, reigning champion Jiménez, six-time Major winner Faldo and current US Open Champion Michael Campbell, who will become the first reigning Major Champion to appear at the tournament in its six year history.