Mar28 Ryder Cupweek
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The biggest week in the history of golf in Wales has been decided: The 2010 Ryder Cup between Europe and the United States will take place at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales, in the week of September 27-October 3.
It may seem a long time away – 184 weeks to be precise – but the organisers, Ryder Cup Europe, confirmed the exact week that the match will take place following a meeting with Welsh Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan today (Wednesday).
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “It is with great pleasure that I announce that the 2010 Ryder Cup will be played in the week of September 27 to October 3. This means that the countdown has truly begun for when The Ryder Cup will be played in Wales for the first time.
“I would like to thank the First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Sir Terry Matthews at The Celtic Manor for their superb support and together with all interested parties we now look forward to delivering the finest edition in the history of The Ryder Cup.”
The announcement was made immediately following a meeting of The Ryder Cup Ministerial Steering Group in the office of the First Minister and in conjunction with Enterprise, Innovation and Networks Minister, Andrew Davies, Dylan Matthews of The Celtic Manor Resort, Richard Hills, The Ryder Cup Director, George O’Grady and Leader of Newport City Council, Councillor Bob Bright.
“This marks the point at which we move from the strategic planning stage, which commenced as soon as Wales won the bid to host the event, into the detailed delivery stage which will take us right up to the Autumn of 2010,” said First Minister, Rhodri Morgan. “During that time, Wales is ensuring that all the required infrastructure requirements are in place, that accommodation providers are ready and that the whole of the country is primed to welcome the world to Wales.”
Representing Sir Terry Matthews, the meeting was attended by Chief Executive of Celtic Manor Resort, Dylan Matthews who is now working with colleagues to finalise development of the new course and clubhouse and on-course arrangements for spectators.
Confirmed Dylan: “Today’s announcement of the week in 2010 when the matches will be played only serves to heighten our expectation. We look forward to staging a spectacle that does justice to the stature of this great golf tournament in three-and-a-half years’ time.”
Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, said: “Great progress has been made to date but we are now in the critical period for ensuring that we get the preparations just right and that we maximise the benefits to Wales. The economic and business advantages available to Wales as a result of hosting such a high profile event are already clear, with opportunities for Welsh companies to supply the event when it comes and obvious advantages to those seeking to raise the profile of Wales as a business and tourism destination in the meantime.”
Photo above sees George O’Grady (left), Chief Executive of The European Tour, on the steps of the National Assembly for Wales, alongside Welsh Assembly First Minister, Rhodri Morgan. Picture: Getty Images
