Celtic Manor – The 2010 Ryder Cup Host

Celtic Manor – The 2010 Ryder Cup Host is Ready to Shine

While it’s a fallacy that coal can be turned into glittering diamonds, it’s nonetheless true that shining stars can blossom from the fertile soil surrounding former Welsh coal country. Case in point, the five glowing stars awarded to Celtic Manor Resort (www.celtic-manor.com) – a luxury  destination lauded as the best in the UK and situated less than two hours from London. With pampered service from the wonderfully attentive staff, sterling amenities fit for royalty and world-class golf to boot, Celtic Manor sparkles as brilliantly as the Hope Diamond.

In October 2010, even more stars – those of exceptional golfing variety – will shine at acclaimed Celtic Manor as the opulent retreat will host the best in the game for the Ryder Cup. In the lovely Wales autumn, the U.S. and Europe will clash in the world’s ultimate team tournament. The drama will unfold over 7,493 yards of spectacular tension that is The Twenty Ten Course – the first in history designed solely to host the Ryder Cup.

In addition to The Twenty Ten, Celtic Manor’s 1,400-plus acres of scenic beauty boasts two other championship courses.  The Roman Road, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., opened in 1995 as the resort’s first course. The Montgomerie, a spectacular par-69 challenge with dramatic tee shots over broad valleys and breathtaking downhill approaches. Course designer and 2010 European Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie has drawn on his Scottish roots to develop a natural links golf experience with deep and penal pot bunkers lurking throughout.

Belying its current grandeur, Celtic Manor possesses a humble, but noble pedigree. On trips home to South Wales from Canada, Sir Terry Matthews – the Ottawa, Canada-based entrepreneur and first billionaire from Wales – kept noticing a dilapidated old mansion for sale on a parcel of land resplendent with lovely rolling vistas and wooded hills. Proving that life is indeed a circle, the old manse was the very building where he was born during its former life as a maternity hospital. For a modest investment, Sir Terry bought the land and Celtic Manor’s journey to the pinnacle of UK destination resorts was launched.

Though the golf alone merits a visit to Celtic Manor, the destination Sir Terry created is heralded as the one of the finest in the world. Visitors will discover two lavish hotels – the majestic, 330-room Resort Hotel and historic, 70-room Manor House. Also on the grounds are five savory restaurants, two tranquil spas and state-of-the-art health clubs, a golf academy and miles of hiking trails. A convention center, exhibition hall, array of well-appointed suites, meeting rooms and large ballrooms are also available to host groups up to 1,500 for conferences, weddings and other special events. Celtic Manor is a special spot on the globe.

In 2010, the resort is ready to sparkle for the entire world to admire. Well, perhaps it is true that glittering diamonds do rise out of coal country. Celtic Manor in the lush Wales countryside is as brilliant as they come.

Getting There: Celtic Manor is 45 minutes from Bristol International Airport (BRS) and Cardiff International Airport (CWL). Daily, non-stop flights are available from Newark, New Jersey (EWR) to Bristol on Continental; and daily, one-stop flights are from New York (JFK) to Cardiff on KLM via Amsterdam. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is a two-hour shuttle, with rail service from Paddington Station (London) to Newport, Wales also available.