The 2010 Ryder Cup
Monty’s Manor marvels shine in the sun
The 2010 Ryder Cup was described as the “greatest ever” as the sun shone on a dramatic final day at The Celtic Manor Resort.
Celtic Manor Wales Open champion Graeme McDowell enjoyed his second winning moment in the space of four months on the spectacular Twenty Ten Course when it fell upon him to secure the winning point for Europe in the very last match.
McDowell, whose sensational 2010 season also includes a US Open major championship, beat American Hunter Mahan in front of the Twenty Ten members pavilion above the 17th hole after holing a beautiful birdie putt on the 16th green.
Europe had held a commanding three-point lead going into the final day of singles which had been extended into Monday for the first time following torrential rain on Friday and Sunday. The Americans fought back on the closing day with their long list of winners including Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the world’s best two players but, when the whole four days of competition boiled down to the 24th and final game, McDowell was up to the challenge.
“This is the greatest Ryder Cup ever witnessed on either side of the Atlantic,” said Phil Weaver, Chairman of the Professional Golfers Association, at the closing ceremony.
“The stunning atmosphere of The Twenty Ten Course has been challenged by the conditions but thanks to the good people of Wales we have overcome.”
Jim Remy, President of the PGA of America, added: “I’d like to thank everyone, especially (Celtic Manor Chairman) Sir Terry Matthews for all their hard work, but most of all their friendship. It’s clear there’s nothing like Welsh hospitality.”
During his victory speech, Europe Captain Colin Montgomerie added: “I congratulate Sir Terry Matthews and his fantastic staff at the Celtic Manor Resort and, in particular, a superb vote of thanks goes to Jim McKenzie and his team of 110 greenkeepers who made playing here possible.
“This is the greatest moment of my golfing career.”
Reflecting later on the victory, Montgomerie said the spectacular Twenty Ten Course at “seven-star” Celtic Manor had raised the bar for future Ryder Cup hosts.
“There was a big party down from (2018 host venue) Gleneagles at Celtic Manor to see how this was done and I tell you what, they’ve got a job to do to beat this one,” he said.
“This was a showcase for European golf and it was a showcase for Wales, too. The standard of everything has risen to seven stars now.”
