The Celtic Manor Resort will host the Ryder Cup Matches in 2010 and The Gleneagles Hotel will be the venue in 2014. This will be the first time that the Matches have been played in Wales.
“I am thrilled that our bid, now for the 2010 Ryder Cup, has won the confidence of the Ryder Cup Board,” said Tony Lewis, Chairman of the Wales Ryder Cup bid. “We stick to our campaign slogan that a Ryder Cup staged in Wales will be ‘Good for Wales: Great for Golf’”.
“This is a great moment for Wales and The Celtic Manor Resort – and a huge opportunity for golf,” said Sir Terry Matthews, owner of Celtic Manor Resort. “This decision brings a new dimension to the sport by adding another nation into the golfing premier league.
“We were partners in a professional bid as part of a very competitive tendering process. We will live up to the confidence shown in us by continuing to deliver on our commitments,” he continued.
After the 40th Ryder Cup Matches at The Gleneagles Hotel in 2014, continental Europe will provide the venues for the next four ‘home’ Matches with France, Germany, Italy and Sweden all being mentioned as possible host countries.
“Candidate nations will be invited to take up the opportunity to start their European Ryder Cup campaigns ten years ahead of hosting The Matches,” said Ken Schofield, Executive Director of The European Tour.
“We are confident that by taking The Ryder Cup Matches to continental Europe, and with good planning and for a sustained period, we will encourage many, many thousands and indeed we hope millions, to play golf and support our sport.”
The European Ryder Cup Board was unanimous in taking these decisions. After the postponed 2001 Matches have been played at The De Vere Belfry next September the Board will be joined by representatives from The PGA of Europe.
“The Professional Golfers’ Association has agreed to reduce its shareholding to recognise the game across Europe, ” said chief executive Sandy Jones. “The Ryder Cup will commit funds in the form of a licence fee to acknowledge that The Professional Golfers’ Association were made the custodians of The Ryder Cup by Sam Ryder – indeed we remain the Founder Partner – and also through a device such as a Trust Fund to support initiatives through and across Europe.”
“The European Tour,” said Ken Schofield, “respects that as the future Managing Partner we will be entrusted to progress the Cup in a way which is good for golf.”
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