Wales - Host Nation for The 2010 Ryder Cup

Tenby golf club

The positive countrywide impact of Wales' winning bid for The Ryder Cup has already reached all corners of South West Wales and the beneficial effects can only increase as the tournament gets closer.

To make the most of increased visitor numbers and golf tourists, a golf-marketing group called Cool Golf has been set up with support from the Visit Wales. Visit Wales also runs 'Driving Change' training programmes that aim to help clubs optimise their business and increase revenue. In the South West, Haverfordwest, Trefloyne and Newport golf clubs have each attended.

Wales' newest course - the Nicklaus-designed Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club - has hosted the Wales Ladies Championship of Europe. The event has featured the likes of Laura Davies and has attracted galleries in excess of 10,000.

Machynys Peninsula, Golf and Country Club

Clearly illustrating how growing local golf means healthy local business, Tonick Watering, a family run water irrigation decoder company based in Cross Hands, now supplies over 1,800 golf courses around the world.

With a firm focus on the South West's youngest golfers, Tri-Golf sessions have taken place in over 20 schools. Real golf sessions at Newport golf club have also taken place, which were promoted in more than 50 local schools.

In South West Wales over 200 females took part in GDW 'Women and Girls Start Golfing' initiative with an average 40% uptake in trial membership.

Pembrokeshire Local Authority and Tenby Golf Club has introduced over 800 young people to golf through 11 local primary schools and has over 80 juniors in regular coaching.