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, First Minister for Wales, on Wednesday May 28 in the company of Sir Terry Matthews, Chariman 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 Twenty Ten clubhouse features a members’ lounge with leather chesterfields, high-backed chairs and a warming open hearth, and the laid-back elegance of the traditional gentleman’s club is further evoked by luxurious, oak-panelled locker rooms. With a spacious and airy feel, the clubhouse also boasts a spike bar, pro’s shop and Rafters Restaurant, named for its floor to ceiling cedar beams.
Long balconies take full advantage of a stunning location on the hillside overlooking the 18th hole, which provides such a dramatic conclusion to any round on The Twenty Ten Course, as well as the scenic Usk Valley beyond.
The Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales, said: “It gives me great pleasure to perform the official unveiling of this splendid new golf course and clubhouse.
“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.
“At The 37th Ryder Cup in Kentucky this September, I will proudly receive the baton for Wales as the next host destination. I will do so in the full knowledge that The Celtic Manor Resort, the City of Newport and Wales are fully prepared for this prestigious event.”
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “Everyone connected with The Celtic Manor Resort is rightly proud of this superb golf course and no-one more so than Sir Terry Matthews who has been the visionary behind Wales’ Ryder Cup bid.
“Sir Terry’s drive and enthusiasm has also ensured the continued success of The Celtic Manor Wales Open which moves onto the Twenty Ten course for the first time this week, having grown in stature to become one of the premier events on The European Tour International Schedule.”
