Wales - Host Nation for The 2010 Ryder Cup

The positive countrywide impact of Wales' winning bid for The Ryder Cup 2010 has already reached all corners of South East Wales and the beneficial effects can only increase as the tournament gets closer.

A golf-marketing group called Greens of Southern Wales has been set up and, with support from Visit Wales, aims to make the most of growing tourism activity. Meanwhile the benefits of a raised profile for Welsh golf in general are making themselves felt at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, which has made its debut in the Golf Digest's Top 100 courses outside the US, at a highly impressive no. 15!

Proof if proof were needed, that The Ryder Cup brings widespread benefits, can be found at The Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort, which successfully hosted the Challenge Tour event in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009 and the Seniors Open in 2006. The SWALEC Wales Challenge returns to the venue in August 2010. Attracting FIRSTPLUS and SWALEC sponsorship, the events generate income for the local economy and international TV coverage raises the profile of the area as a tourism destination.

Away from the glamour of TV coverage and battling pros, six Torfaen schools are delivering Tri-Golf projects and forging links with Talywain Junior Club.

In South East Wales 15 community starter centres across six Local Authorities have offered hundreds of youngster’s beginner golfing opportunities.

Bridgend Local Authority assisted in the organisation and running of three Tri-Golf festivals across the county involving over 300 pupils and teachers during Golf Awareness week.

From masters to enthusiastic juniors, The Ryder Cup 2010 acts as a powerful catalyst, generating enthusiasm, tourism and good business throughout South East Wales.