Welsh rookies line up at Newport

Miguel Angel Jiménez has starred in three Ryder Cups

Rookie Welsh professionals Rhys Davies and Llewellyn Matthews have won sponsors' invitations to play in next week's Celtic Manor Wales Open.

The pair will tee up alongside reigning champion Padraig Harrington and Ryder Cup stars Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and Robert Karlsson.

"It's my first professional event in Wales and that's something to enjoy," said Davies.

Ex-champion Miguel Angel Jimenez has confirmed his entry.

Spaniard Jimenez, tied eighth in this year's Masters, won on his Wales Open debut and completes the strongest field in the tournament's nine-year history.

This will be the first year the event is played on the 2010 Ryder Cup course.

David Howell, Paul McGinley and Wales' Phil Price are also European Ryder Cup heroes who will grace this year's four-day £1.8m Wales Open, that starts on 29 May.