Celtic Manor wins Ryder Cup bid

Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, South Wales, has won its bid to host the Ryder Cup golf challenge in 2010.

Terry Matthews, owner of Celtic Manor, said winning the bid added Wales to the golfing premier league and would allow the expansion of facilities at the resort.

The biennial event was to be held this year at De Vere's Belfry hotel in Sutton Coldfield, but has been postponed until 27-29 September next year because of the terrorist attacks on the USA.

In 2004 and 2008 the competition will be held in America, while in 2006, it will be held for the first time in Ireland at the K Club, part of the Kildare Hotel and Country Club in Straffan near Dublin.

The Ryder Cup generated £56m-worth of tourism income for Spain when it was held at Sotogrande in 1997, the first time it took place outside the USA.