The Celtic Manor Resort has become even more of a must-play destination in world golf following the opening of its Twenty Ten course which will stage The Ryder Cup in 2010.
The spectacular new course – the third championship layout at the luxury, five-star golf and spa resort in South Wales – is the first in history to be designed and built specifically for The Ryder Cup.
As well as providing the ultimate match play test for Tiger Woods and the world’s best golfers, the Twenty Ten course will also offer a memorable challenge to all golfers who take the opportunity to play its exciting holes before and after the big event.
“They’ve done a really good job on the new holes,” said Ian Woosnam, the victorious Welsh captain at the 2006 Ryder Cup and an ambassador for Ryder Cup Wales 2010.
“They have been designed especially for The Ryder Cup and should provide plenty of drama which is exactly what you need.
“The closing stretch is fantastic. Just as matches will be heading towards their climax, you’ve got two great match play par-fours at the 14th and the 15th. Then the 18th is a really cracking par-five to finish. You are going to be standing there, thinking shall I or shan’t I go for it?”
The course has also been constructed with spectators in mind and the huge hillsides lining the closing holes offer the best views ever seen of the decisive action at a Ryder Cup, as well as the chance to keep up with play on several of the earlier holes below.
More than £16 million has been invested in the course and a luxurious new clubhouse since Celtic Manor beat off rival bids from Scotland and England to win The Ryder Cup award in 2001.
The clubhouse features Rafters Restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling cedar beams and modern European dining; a members lounge with leather chesterfields, high-backed chairs and a warming open hearth; and luxurious, oak-panelled locker rooms from where it will be possible to order a drink from the spike bar as you kick back and relax after your round.
The Twenty Ten Club has just been launched as one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the United Kingdom but overseas and other visiting golfers will still be able to play the world’s latest “trophy” course as a limited number of tee times have been reserved for their use, with special rates for hotel residents.
The course joins the existing Roman Road, home to The Celtic Manor Wales Open on The European Tour for the last three years, and another new championship layout at the Resort – The Montgomerie. Designed by the Ryder Cup legend, Colin Montgomerie, as his first design project in Great Britain, The Montgomerie features deep pot bunkers and other traditional touches which lend the course a links-like feel.
All three courses are very different in character and add up to one of the most complete golfing destinations in Europe. There are also a number of classic links courses in close proximity including Royal Porthcawl, Ashburnham and Pennard.
Set in 1400 acres of beautiful parkland, The Celtic Manor Experience is about so much more than merely golf, however. With two hotels – the five-star, 330-room Resort Hotel and the historic 19th century Manor House with 70 rooms – two exceptional spas, two state-of-the-art health clubs, shooting, fishing, tennis courts, mountain biking, walking trails and five outstanding restaurants, the Resort is the ideal place to unwind on a leisure break.
The nearest town is Caerleon, the old Roman fort of Isca with its impressive remains of amphitheatre, baths and barracks, and the medieval castles of the Welsh Marches are on the doorstep. The bustling cities of Cardiff and Bristol are also just half an hour’s drive away, offering plentiful activities to visitors enjoying extended stays at The Celtic Manor Resort, while London is within two hours by road and rail.
Celtic Manor www.celtic-manor.com