New Twenty Ten Course & Clubhouse Unveiled at Celtic Manor


The only golf course in history built for a Ryder Cup opened on the eve of its first professional tournament. The Twenty Ten course and clubhouse were launched by the Right Honorable Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister for Wales, on May 28 along with 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 were built at a total cost of £16 million to stage the 2010 Ryder Cup. The layout will provide a challenge for not only the European and American stars of the Ryder Cup, but also tested leading European Tour professionals at last week's Celtic Manor Wales Open.

At a press conference before the 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 architect Ross McMurray of European Golf Design, nine brand-new holes were built in the Usk Valley to sit alongside nine existing holes that were substantially remodeled to match the new design and complete the Twenty Ten layout. Water hazards enter play on half the holes. The par-71 course was stretched to 7,352 yards for the Celtic Manor Wales Open, held May 29 to June 1 and won by Scott Strange.

The course was built with a steep hillside rising above the three closing holes to offer spectators views of the decisive action at the end of the round as well as many more holes in the valley below.

The new clubhouse features a members' lounge with leather chesterfields, high-backed chairs and an open hearth. With an airy feel, the clubhouse boasts a spike bar, pro's shop and Rafters Restaurant, named for its floor-to-ceiling cedar beams. Long balconies take advantage of its hillside locale above the 18th hole.

Rhodri Morgan AM, 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."

O'Grady, Chief Executive of the European Tour, added: "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."

About Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort occupies more than 1,400 acres of parkland at the gateway to Wales. The facility contains two hotels - a 330-room luxury Resort Hotel and the historic 19th century Manor House with 70 rooms - two spas, two health clubs, a shooting school, fishing, tennis courts, mountain biking, walking trails and five restaurants. The resort offers three 18-hole golf courses. For more information, visit www.celtic-manor.com.