With one of biggest global sporting events, The 2010 Ryder Cup, set to descend on The Celtic Manor in two years time, the direct benefits from hosting such an event are already being felt. Last week Ian Woosnam, captain of the winning 2006 European Ryder Cup Team, joined local school children at Caerleon Golf Club to give his support to the new course.
The project was granted funded by the Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund to the tune of £120,000 which has assisted the development of the 9-hole par 3 pay and play starter course. It is hoped that the course will further boost local interest in golf, particularly amongst youngsters and beginners. The project at Caerleon is one of a number of similar projects across Wales.
Ian Woosnam commented, “The Ryder Cup coming in 2010 is fantastic for the whole of Wales. It isn’t just about three days of golf, it is about giving people at all levels the opportunity to embrace the sport and benefit from it. The Legacy Fund is helping to achieve that goal.
“Wales has some great Championship courses but we need more facilities specifically designed for beginners and particularly the young. This investment will go a long way to help bridge this gap and will help attract new talent to golf that is essential for us to maintain our current success at international level.”
The cash injection to Newport City Council is part of a wider £2 million investment provided by the Welsh Assembly Government. The new course will be open to every junior wanting to take up the game and will add to the existing course and driving range already available at Caerleon Golf Club.
The Legacy Fund is administered by The Sports Council for Wales and is backed by the European Tour, who awarded the Ryder Cup to Wales, and the Professional Golfers Association, as well as the Golf Union of Wales who represent all the established clubs in Wales.
Ryder Cup Wales 2010 www.rydercupwales2010.com