Wales launches Ryder Cup bid

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Ian Woosnam has backed Wales's bid to stage the Ryder Cup as the European Tour returned to the principality for the first time since 1991.

The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport launched their official bid on the eve of the inaugural £750,000 Wales Open.

Billionaire owner Terry Matthews has invested £100m in the complex with £8m alone spent on the Wentwood Hills course hoping to host the 2009 contest between the United States and Europe.

And the venue has met with cup veteran Woosnam's approval as he seeks a hat-trick of tour titles on home soil and the £125,000 first prize.

Ian Woosnam tries out the Westwood Hills Course

"I'm definitely in favour," said the 42-year-old who appeared in eight consecutive Ryder Cups from 1983 onwards, compiling the best fourballs record in the event's history.

"It doesn't lack for anything, you've got this resort with 400 bedrooms, the clubhouse which is second to none and the practice facilities and two other golf courses to go with it.

"I've been to plenty of other resorts and this has a lot more going for it, and there is a great benefit for it to come to Wales and Celtic Manor."

The bid, which has been recognised as an official candidate by the PGA and the Ryder Cup committee, also has the backing of the National Assembly, the Wales Tourist Board and the Welsh Development Agency.

Former Ryder Cup captain Mark James also voiced his approval at the official opening last year.

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Tom Middlehurst, minister for sport in Wales, believes the country and course are more than capable of staging such a prestigious event.

"We have a superb venue here at the Celtic Manor to host such a prestigious event and I know that Wales can offer the facilities, infrastructure and other support to attract the PGA," said Middlehurst.

"I strongly support Wales' bid and urge everyone to work together to make sure we bring the Ryder Cup to Wales in 2009."

Rhodri Morgan, the First Secretary for Wales, added: "We're confident we could do the best job the Ryder Cup has ever had if we are given the opportunity in 2009."

So far the only other official bid has come from Scotland - backed by European No1 Colin Montgomerie - although no venue has yet been decided.

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But Sweden is also expected to compete for the right to stage the 2009 event, and other bids from England, Ireland and elsewhere on continental Europe have not been ruled out.

Meanwhile Woosnam will be among the favourites for the first prize when the tournament gets under way on Thursday, the 1991 Masters champion having finished third and seventh in his last two events.

Woosnam won the second of his 28 tour titles at St Pierre, Chepstow in 1983 and won the Epson Grand Prix at the same venue in 1990.

"It's great to play on home soil and in front of your home crowd," he added.

"It's nice to be back in Wales and it's not before time."

Woosnam's main competition could come from another home favourite, Newport's Phil Price, who has already had five top 10 finishes this year while 2000 tour winners Gary Orr, Anthony Wall, Roger Chapman, Jamie Spence and Brian Davis are also in the field.

Sandy Lyle and Seve Ballesteros are also competing alongside 2001 Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance.