Celtic Manor favourite for 2010 Ryder Cup

Celtic Manor in Wales is the clear favourite if the venue for the Ryder Cup match in 2009 or 2010 is named this afternoon.

Celtic Manor in Wales is the clear favourite if the venue for the Ryder Cup match in 2009 or 2010 is named this afternoon.

A press conference has been called at the Wentworth headquarters of the European Tour for a "significant announcement" regarding the cup.

Six clubs were in the running for the 2009 match - Slaley Hall near Newcastle, Celtic Manor and Scottish quartet Gleneagles, Loch Lomond, Turnberry and Carnoustie.

Wales has never staged the match but is generally thought to have had the momentum ever since Ken Schofield, the Tour's executive director, appeared to give Celtic Manor his backing in May.

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A decision was originally expected during this week's match at The Belfry, but the terrorist attacks in America led to the postponement of the contest for a year and the 2003, 2005 and 2007 matches have all been pushed back as well as a consequence.

Celtic Manor, close to the Severn Bridge, is the multi-million pound complex of businessman Terry Matthews. It features a hotel, four restaurants, two health clubs and three courses.

PA