Success
The Twenty-Ten Course at Celtic Manor has cemented its place in golfing history, hosting one of the most thrilling Ryder Cup matches ever played. This achievement reflects the vision and determination of owner Sir Terry Matthews to bring the prestigious event to Wales, significantly boosting the resort’s global profile. Before the unforgettable 2010 Ryder Cup, the course also successfully hosted three Celtic Manor Wales Opens on the European Tour.
The Challenge
Creating a Ryder Cup-worthy course required careful consideration of various elements essential for a major sports event. We needed ample space for tented villages, hospitality units, and media facilities, as well as excellent viewing areas for spectators. The design also had to align with European Tour standards, satisfy day-to-day play requirements, and respect the environmental and historical significance of the River Usk Valley. With Roman heritage on site and local wildlife like otters, dormice, and badgers, protecting the area’s natural and historical assets was crucial. Additionally, parts of the existing Wentwood Hills Course had to be seamlessly integrated.
The Solutions
We retained and re-bunkered nine holes from the Wentwood Hills Course, blending them into the new Twenty-Ten Course. The nine newly designed holes feature risk-and-reward opportunities that are perfect for match play, leading to a dramatic and memorable finish. To accommodate hospitality and enhance the spectator experience, we created a large, flat area alongside the final three holes, with elevated viewing slopes.
We raised low-lying sections of the course by an average of 1.5 meters to ensure effective drainage and lifted it out of the floodplain. Additional flood control measures included constructing a high bund next to the river. Throughout the project, we carefully balanced earth movement to minimize environmental impact. The design was also adjusted as needed to protect historical sites, and we established planting corridors and buffer zones to safeguard local wildlife. Biodiversity was further enriched by adding new streams, wetlands, and various vegetation types.
Course Stats
Par: 72
Client: Sir Terry Matthews
Course: 18 Holes
Length: 7,493 meters
