From Ryder Cup Watcher to Wales Golf Vacationer

The breathtaking finish of the 2010 Ryder Cup was matched only by the scenery of this very special course. 

After being glued to the TV (or telly, as you will) to watch this nearly century old rivalry, I came away with renewed admiration for US Open Champ,

Graeme McDowell, who led his European team to victory on the last day with an absolutely unforgettable putt.  

I also came away with a new fascination for the host country.  I am definitely moving

Wales onto the “must do” list of golf trips. The Twenty Ten Course just blew me away with those “risk-and-reward” dilemmas that makes the game as great for us amateurs as it is for the pros.

It is the first course to be built specifically for the Ryder Cup, with a par of 71 and 7,493 yards off the back tees.  Punctuated by water hazards and six signature holes, the course offers a both a links-like feel with some long rough and greenside swales. 

Of course this is only one of the courses to be tackled at the Celtic Manor Resort.  Colin Montgomerie, the European captain, designed one which is named in his honor as well.  A living golf legend, Monty shows his traditionalism in design, adding deep pot bunkers to give a links feel.  Panoramic views abound, as do dramatic tee shots and downhill shots.

The Roman Road course rounds out the world-class offerings at Celtic Manor.  Golf Monthly named it the top inland course in Wales as soon as it opened, which tells you something about the level of design and management that can be expected.

Luxury accommodations can also be expected, including two spas with all the trimmings, from spa treatments and plunge pools to the latest in fitness equipment with instructors on hand.  While working on your putting, why not work on your image as well at the award-winning salon?

There’s no doubt that the Ryder Cup spotlight has changed Wales tourism.  Now that the championship crowds have died down, golf vacations without the hubub will be the rule there.  With castles, beaches, mountains, and of course the rolling countryside, Wales offers great opportunities for exploration. 

That’s one of the great things about the game, eh?  Golf gives us a chance to enjoy the sport as well as virtual or actual golf trips

to some of the most beautiful spots in the world.  And from what I saw during the Ryder Cup, Wales definitely is one of them!