News from the Celtic Manor Resort http://www.celtic-manor.com/media.aspx en-gb Wed, 16 May 2012 15:05:54 +01:00 VSI-Thinking 2012 VSI-Thinking CMS info@vsi-thinking.com
The venue which hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup will once again open its doors to world class sport and its stars when the World Rally Championship visits in the autumn of a year of sporting excellence across the UK. Tickets for the event will be on sale from Friday 18th May 2012.

Wales Rally GB 2012 will see a ceremonial start in Llandudno in North Wales on Thursday, 13th September following a Qualifying Stage at Walters Arena on Wednesday 12th, before the event moves down to the classic Dyfnant, Hafren and Myherin tests on Friday 14th. Following a remote service in Newtown, that loop of stages will be repeated on Friday afternoon.

Saturday 15th takes the event to the Epynt military range, where the stages of Crychan, Epynt and Halfway will be undertaken twice, after which the rally visits Celtic Manor Resort for the first time, before service in Cardiff. For the final day, Wales Rally GB visits Port Talbot, Rheola and Walters Arena, before returning to those stages again after Cardiff service. The official finish ceremony of the event will take place in Cardiff Bay after the final stage.

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Rally GB, this year’s ticketing is led by a limited-edition ‘Gold’ pass offer that provides spectators access to all stages, car parks, the qualifying test and service areas.

The pass comes with its own unique gold lanyard, an exclusive key-ring and a complimentary copy of the 80th anniversary DVD which retells the history of one of motor sport’s most iconic international events. The cost of the Gold Rally Pass will be £130* – far cheaper than buying the tickets individually.

Andrew Coe, chief executive of Wales Rally GB, is extremely excited by the route and commented: “In such a pivotal year for Britain and its role as a venue for world-class sport, it’s a real privilege to be able to take Wales Rally GB to Celtic Manor Resort this year, as well as continue last year’s initiative of delivering a truly pan-Welsh route.

“We made huge strides forward last year in terms of embracing the whole of Wales with our route and we have tried hard to build on that this year, while also bringing more innovation and fresh-thinking to the event.”

First Minister Carwyn Jones welcomed the return of the event, which is supported by Welsh Government funding of £1.4 million.

“Wales Rally GB has the ability to engage with many communities during its week long journey from North to South Wales,” he said. “It is a world class sporting event that will deliver a wide range of benefits and provide a welcome boost for retailers, hotels and tourism operators. The rally is an ideal platform for Wales, showing a global audience what we have to offer.”

]]> Britain’s round of the 2012 World Rally Championship, Wales Rally GB, will be held this year from the 13th – 16th September and will include an all new special stage at Celtic Manor Resort.

The venue which hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup will once again open its doors to world class sport and its stars when the World Rally Championship visits in the autumn of a year of sporting excellence across the UK. Tickets for the event will be on sale from Friday 18th May 2012.

Wales Rally GB 2012 will see a ceremonial start in Llandudno in North Wales on Thursday, 13th September following a Qualifying Stage at Walters Arena on Wednesday 12th, before the event moves down to the classic Dyfnant, Hafren and Myherin tests on Friday 14th. Following a remote service in Newtown, that loop of stages will be repeated on Friday afternoon.

Saturday 15th takes the event to the Epynt military range, where the stages of Crychan, Epynt and Halfway will be undertaken twice, after which the rally visits Celtic Manor Resort for the first time, before service in Cardiff. For the final day, Wales Rally GB visits Port Talbot, Rheola and Walters Arena, before returning to those stages again after Cardiff service. The official finish ceremony of the event will take place in Cardiff Bay after the final stage.

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Rally GB, this year’s ticketing is led by a limited-edition ‘Gold’ pass offer that provides spectators access to all stages, car parks, the qualifying test and service areas.

The pass comes with its own unique gold lanyard, an exclusive key-ring and a complimentary copy of the 80th anniversary DVD which retells the history of one of motor sport’s most iconic international events. The cost of the Gold Rally Pass will be £130* – far cheaper than buying the tickets individually.

Andrew Coe, chief executive of Wales Rally GB, is extremely excited by the route and commented: “In such a pivotal year for Britain and its role as a venue for world-class sport, it’s a real privilege to be able to take Wales Rally GB to Celtic Manor Resort this year, as well as continue last year’s initiative of delivering a truly pan-Welsh route.

“We made huge strides forward last year in terms of embracing the whole of Wales with our route and we have tried hard to build on that this year, while also bringing more innovation and fresh-thinking to the event.”

First Minister Carwyn Jones welcomed the return of the event, which is supported by Welsh Government funding of £1.4 million.

“Wales Rally GB has the ability to engage with many communities during its week long journey from North to South Wales,” he said. “It is a world class sporting event that will deliver a wide range of benefits and provide a welcome boost for retailers, hotels and tourism operators. The rally is an ideal platform for Wales, showing a global audience what we have to offer.”

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:05:53 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=0
Jiménez, a former tournament champion, was part of the winning European team when he made his fourth Ryder Cup appearance at Celtic Manor in 2010. Bjorn was part of Colin Montgomerie’s backroom team as a Vice-Captain in Wales, having been on the winning side in two Ryder Cups as a player in 1999 and 2002.

With a smile and a cigar never far from his lips, Jiménez’s relaxed on-course demeanour belies a steely determination when it comes to closing out tournament wins and the 2005 Wales Open champion tasted victory three times in 2010 before making a telling contribution to Europe’s Ryder Cup success at Celtic Manor.

Bjorn secured his first European Tour victory for four years when he captured the Estoril Open de Portugal in 2010, and he followed it up with three more tournament wins in 2011 including back-to-back titles at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and the Omega European Masters.

The Dane’s revived form puts him very much in the mix for a third Ryder Cup cap as a player, a full decade after his last appearance. Also hoping to impress the watching 2012 European Captain José Maria Olazábal, who tees up at Celtic Manor for the first time at this month’s ISPS Handa Wales Open, is another late entrant, Simon Dyson.

Dyson, the World No 40, recorded two victories in the second half of 2011 at the Irish and KLM Opens and will be hoping to renew his challenge for a Ryder Cup debut this summer.

Colin Montgomerie, the victorious Ryder Cup captain at Celtic Manor, tees up in his 10th consecutive Wales Open and another of his Vice-Captains, Paul McGinley, the tournament winner in 2001, joins Bjorn and Olazábal in the field.

Ryder Cup team-mates of Jiménez competing for the £300,000 first prize are Ross Fisher, Edoardo Molinari and Francesco Molinari, a winner already this month at the Reale Seguros Open de Espana.

Other tournament winners of the past 12 months teeing up in the ISPS Handa Wales Open include Paul Lawrie, Robert Rock, Thomas Levet, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Michael Hoey, Tom Lewis, Oliver Fisher, Pablo Larrazábal and defending champion Alexander Noren.

ISPS Handa Wales Open tournament director Dylan Matthews said: “It’s always a real pleasure to welcome back so many of our former champions and the stars of The European Tour.

“We look forward to seeing the return of many of the heroes of the Ryder Cup here at Celtic Manor and I’m sure many of the contenders for this year’s team will be eager to impress the new European Captain, José Maria Olazábal.

“We are also delighted to welcome a new title sponsor for the next three years and I’m confident that the ISPS Handa Wales Open will continue to go from strength to strength.”

As well as top-class golfing action, the tournament offers a great day out for all the family with a tented village including bar, food outlets, shops selling golf merchandise and opportunities for youngsters to try their hand at golf.

ISPS (International Sports Promotion Society) was founded by Japanese philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, in 2006 and has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

For tickets and further information, visit ispshandawalesopen.com

]]> Ryder Cup stars Miguel Angel Jiménez and Thomas Bjorn are among the late entries for the ISPS Handa Wales Open at Celtic Manor from May 31-June 3.

Jiménez, a former tournament champion, was part of the winning European team when he made his fourth Ryder Cup appearance at Celtic Manor in 2010. Bjorn was part of Colin Montgomerie’s backroom team as a Vice-Captain in Wales, having been on the winning side in two Ryder Cups as a player in 1999 and 2002.

With a smile and a cigar never far from his lips, Jiménez’s relaxed on-course demeanour belies a steely determination when it comes to closing out tournament wins and the 2005 Wales Open champion tasted victory three times in 2010 before making a telling contribution to Europe’s Ryder Cup success at Celtic Manor.

Bjorn secured his first European Tour victory for four years when he captured the Estoril Open de Portugal in 2010, and he followed it up with three more tournament wins in 2011 including back-to-back titles at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and the Omega European Masters.

The Dane’s revived form puts him very much in the mix for a third Ryder Cup cap as a player, a full decade after his last appearance. Also hoping to impress the watching 2012 European Captain José Maria Olazábal, who tees up at Celtic Manor for the first time at this month’s ISPS Handa Wales Open, is another late entrant, Simon Dyson.

Dyson, the World No 40, recorded two victories in the second half of 2011 at the Irish and KLM Opens and will be hoping to renew his challenge for a Ryder Cup debut this summer.

Colin Montgomerie, the victorious Ryder Cup captain at Celtic Manor, tees up in his 10th consecutive Wales Open and another of his Vice-Captains, Paul McGinley, the tournament winner in 2001, joins Bjorn and Olazábal in the field.

Ryder Cup team-mates of Jiménez competing for the £300,000 first prize are Ross Fisher, Edoardo Molinari and Francesco Molinari, a winner already this month at the Reale Seguros Open de Espana.

Other tournament winners of the past 12 months teeing up in the ISPS Handa Wales Open include Paul Lawrie, Robert Rock, Thomas Levet, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Michael Hoey, Tom Lewis, Oliver Fisher, Pablo Larrazábal and defending champion Alexander Noren.

ISPS Handa Wales Open tournament director Dylan Matthews said: “It’s always a real pleasure to welcome back so many of our former champions and the stars of The European Tour.

“We look forward to seeing the return of many of the heroes of the Ryder Cup here at Celtic Manor and I’m sure many of the contenders for this year’s team will be eager to impress the new European Captain, José Maria Olazábal.

“We are also delighted to welcome a new title sponsor for the next three years and I’m confident that the ISPS Handa Wales Open will continue to go from strength to strength.”

As well as top-class golfing action, the tournament offers a great day out for all the family with a tented village including bar, food outlets, shops selling golf merchandise and opportunities for youngsters to try their hand at golf.

ISPS (International Sports Promotion Society) was founded by Japanese philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, in 2006 and has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

For tickets and further information, visit ispshandawalesopen.com

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:33:46 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=1
Divers came to the rescue when a golfer lost his watch and wedding ring after watching his golf bag and trolley plunge into a lake on the golf course.

Alan Neill was playing the final hole on the iconic Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor when disaster struck. Having left his trolley alongside a bunker by the green, he could only watch in horror as the wind blew the trolley down a bank and into the lake.

Mr Neill used a bunker rake to fish his golf bag, minus the trolley and several irons, out of the lake. It was only when he was assessing the damage that the five-handicap golfer realised he had left a golf bag pocket containing his valuables open.

His mobile phone was soggy yet safe, but a £1,500 watch and his wedding ring were nowhere to be seen and extensive trawling of the bank by Mr Neill and his three golfing buddies failed to find them.

“I even stripped down to my boxer shorts and went in looking for them,” said the 39-year-old financial controller. “But it’s a steep bank and the water was very murky.

“I did manage to find five or six of my missing golf clubs but it was absolutely freezing, too cold to stay in for more than a few minutes. I was losing hope and thought our attempts to find the watch and the wedding ring might have buried them further under the sludge on the bottom of the lake.”

Mr Neill stayed overnight at the five-star hotel, the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup, and then watched Celtic Manor greenkeepers, led by irrigation manager Neil Shepherd, take over the search in the morning but another two hours trawling the bottom with a fishing net yielded hundreds of golf balls, but nothing else.

The hapless golfer then had to head back to work in Gloucester but Celtic Manor had not abandoned all hope. The resort called in Cynon Valley Sub Aqua Club, a group of divers who had performed exercises before in a separate irrigation reservoir for the golf courses.

The team accepted the challenge and, after a couple of hours of systematic searching, advanced diver Howard Lewis was able to find the watch and wedding ring with the help of underwater metal-detecting equipment.

“I’m over the moon,” said Mr Neill from Co Down, Northern Ireland. “The watch is quite valuable but I was most worried about losing the wedding ring.

“Most things are replaceable but a wedding ring is not. We’re celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in September so it feels great to have the ring back.

“The watch was still ticking when they found it so my only losses are a seven-iron and a GPS range-finding device, which I retrieved at the time but it has not worked since being in the water.

“All in all, it’s a very happy ending and I can’t thank the divers and the team at Celtic Manor enough. That was customer service to the extreme.”

]]> Sub aqua club called in to retrieve valuables from golf course lake.

Divers came to the rescue when a golfer lost his watch and wedding ring after watching his golf bag and trolley plunge into a lake on the golf course.

Alan Neill was playing the final hole on the iconic Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor when disaster struck. Having left his trolley alongside a bunker by the green, he could only watch in horror as the wind blew the trolley down a bank and into the lake.

Mr Neill used a bunker rake to fish his golf bag, minus the trolley and several irons, out of the lake. It was only when he was assessing the damage that the five-handicap golfer realised he had left a golf bag pocket containing his valuables open.

His mobile phone was soggy yet safe, but a £1,500 watch and his wedding ring were nowhere to be seen and extensive trawling of the bank by Mr Neill and his three golfing buddies failed to find them.

“I even stripped down to my boxer shorts and went in looking for them,” said the 39-year-old financial controller. “But it’s a steep bank and the water was very murky.

“I did manage to find five or six of my missing golf clubs but it was absolutely freezing, too cold to stay in for more than a few minutes. I was losing hope and thought our attempts to find the watch and the wedding ring might have buried them further under the sludge on the bottom of the lake.”

Mr Neill stayed overnight at the five-star hotel, the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup, and then watched Celtic Manor greenkeepers, led by irrigation manager Neil Shepherd, take over the search in the morning but another two hours trawling the bottom with a fishing net yielded hundreds of golf balls, but nothing else.

The hapless golfer then had to head back to work in Gloucester but Celtic Manor had not abandoned all hope. The resort called in Cynon Valley Sub Aqua Club, a group of divers who had performed exercises before in a separate irrigation reservoir for the golf courses.

The team accepted the challenge and, after a couple of hours of systematic searching, advanced diver Howard Lewis was able to find the watch and wedding ring with the help of underwater metal-detecting equipment.

“I’m over the moon,” said Mr Neill from Co Down, Northern Ireland. “The watch is quite valuable but I was most worried about losing the wedding ring.

“Most things are replaceable but a wedding ring is not. We’re celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in September so it feels great to have the ring back.

“The watch was still ticking when they found it so my only losses are a seven-iron and a GPS range-finding device, which I retrieved at the time but it has not worked since being in the water.

“All in all, it’s a very happy ending and I can’t thank the divers and the team at Celtic Manor enough. That was customer service to the extreme.”

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:42:40 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=2
Olazábal was drafted in as a Vice-Captain to Colin Montgomerie for The 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor when weather delays caused a reformatting of the competition, but he has never teed it up in the European Tour event played at the same venue.

The two-time Masters champion has, however, won in Wales before and counts the 1991 Epson Grand Prix of Europe at nearby St Pierre among his 23 European Tour titles.

His return to South Wales will give the Spaniard another opportunity to monitor the progress of some of the contenders for his own 2012 European Ryder Cup side at a tournament which takes place a week after the flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

Olazábal said: “I am looking forward to going back to Celtic Manor where I have many fond memories from the last Ryder Cup.

“It was an honour to be called into the team room as a Vice-Captain when Colin felt he needed another set of eyes with additional matches out on the golf course. The fact that it turned out to be such a dramatic and emotional victory made it all the more special.

“I now look forward to playing the challenging Twenty Ten Course myself in the ISPS Handa Wales Open. It will be a good chance to see how some of the players vying for a place in this year’s Ryder Cup are performing just three months before the team is selected.”

Olazábal, winner of the Masters Tournament in 1994 and 1999, was also a Ryder Cup Vice-Captain to Nick Faldo in 2008 and made seven appearances in the matches as a player. He combined with his compatriot and great friend Seve Ballesteros to form the most successful partnership in the history of the competition - winning 11, halving two and losing only two of their matches together.

While Olazábal prepares for his first appearance in the ISPS Handa Wales Open, his predecessor Montgomerie will be teeing up for the 10th year running at a venue where he crowned his own glorious Ryder Cup career by leading Europe to a nail-biting 14½-13½ victory.

Some of his players will also be making a welcome return to the scene of their triumph, including Ross Fisher and the Molinari brothers, Edoardo and Francesco.

Other contenders for this year’s team under Captain Olázabal teeing up in the ISPS Handa Wales Open include Paul Lawrie and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, currently fifth and sixth respectively on the European points list.

Lawrie was a winner at Celtic Manor in 2002, his last European Tour victory before claiming two titles within a year – at the 2011 Open de Andalucia and the 2012 Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

Past winners of the tournament have also included Ryder Cup stars Graeme McDowell, Robert Karlsson, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Ian Poulter and Paul McGinley. Last year, Alexander Noren triumphed by two strokes before going on to claim the Nordea Masters in his native Sweden and finishing 14th in the 2011 Race to Dubai.

As well as top-class golfing action, the tournament offers a great day out for all the family with a tented village including bar, food outlets, shops selling golf merchandise and opportunities for youngsters to try their hand at golf.

ISPS (International Sports Promotion Society) was founded by Japanese philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, in 2006 and has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

For tickets and further information, click here

]]> Ryder Cup Captain José Maria Olazábal will make his debut in the ISPS Handa Wales Open from May 31-June 3.

Olazábal was drafted in as a Vice-Captain to Colin Montgomerie for The 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor when weather delays caused a reformatting of the competition, but he has never teed it up in the European Tour event played at the same venue.

The two-time Masters champion has, however, won in Wales before and counts the 1991 Epson Grand Prix of Europe at nearby St Pierre among his 23 European Tour titles.

His return to South Wales will give the Spaniard another opportunity to monitor the progress of some of the contenders for his own 2012 European Ryder Cup side at a tournament which takes place a week after the flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

Olazábal said: “I am looking forward to going back to Celtic Manor where I have many fond memories from the last Ryder Cup.

“It was an honour to be called into the team room as a Vice-Captain when Colin felt he needed another set of eyes with additional matches out on the golf course. The fact that it turned out to be such a dramatic and emotional victory made it all the more special.

“I now look forward to playing the challenging Twenty Ten Course myself in the ISPS Handa Wales Open. It will be a good chance to see how some of the players vying for a place in this year’s Ryder Cup are performing just three months before the team is selected.”

Olazábal, winner of the Masters Tournament in 1994 and 1999, was also a Ryder Cup Vice-Captain to Nick Faldo in 2008 and made seven appearances in the matches as a player. He combined with his compatriot and great friend Seve Ballesteros to form the most successful partnership in the history of the competition - winning 11, halving two and losing only two of their matches together.

While Olazábal prepares for his first appearance in the ISPS Handa Wales Open, his predecessor Montgomerie will be teeing up for the 10th year running at a venue where he crowned his own glorious Ryder Cup career by leading Europe to a nail-biting 14½-13½ victory.

Some of his players will also be making a welcome return to the scene of their triumph, including Ross Fisher and the Molinari brothers, Edoardo and Francesco.

Other contenders for this year’s team under Captain Olázabal teeing up in the ISPS Handa Wales Open include Paul Lawrie and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, currently fifth and sixth respectively on the European points list.

Lawrie was a winner at Celtic Manor in 2002, his last European Tour victory before claiming two titles within a year – at the 2011 Open de Andalucia and the 2012 Commercialbank Qatar Masters.

Past winners of the tournament have also included Ryder Cup stars Graeme McDowell, Robert Karlsson, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Ian Poulter and Paul McGinley. Last year, Alexander Noren triumphed by two strokes before going on to claim the Nordea Masters in his native Sweden and finishing 14th in the 2011 Race to Dubai.

As well as top-class golfing action, the tournament offers a great day out for all the family with a tented village including bar, food outlets, shops selling golf merchandise and opportunities for youngsters to try their hand at golf.

ISPS (International Sports Promotion Society) was founded by Japanese philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, in 2006 and has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

For tickets and further information, click here

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:52:24 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=3
PGA professional Craig Thomas, the first to be trained on the programme, coached four golfers, including Celtic Manor club captain and amputee Richie Willis, as part of the ISPS Handa PGA Academy Programme which is equipping PGA pros with the skills to specialise in giving high quality coaching sessions to golfers with disabilities.

"It's wonderful to see an initiative like this bringing more disabled people into golf," said Celtic Manor club captain Richie Willis, who wears a prosthetic leg as the result of a road traffic accident 12 years ago.

"I've only had one golf lesson in my entire life so it's great to know specialist tuition for disabled golfers will now be made available.

"I used to be a keen footballer and love my sport so it has been very important to me that I have been able to continue playing golf to a reasonable standard. It keeps my competitive fires burning and I would encourage other disabled people to take up the game."

Also receiving instruction were Ron Tomlinson, who is totally blind and started England and Wales Blind Golf 30 years ago, alongside Camarthen Golf Club’s Chris Evans and Derrick Sheridan from Wargrave near Henley on Thames – a member of Badgemore Park and Castle Royale golf clubs.

Tomlinson, who gave up golf after losing his sight before being inspired to start again by an American blind golfer, benefited from some advice from Thomas.

“I was leaving the club face open so Craig worked on turning the club face by physically taking me through what I was doing,” said Tomlinson.

“It was very good, as you’ve got to depend on feeling and he was spot on.”

Sheridan added: “The ISPS Handa PGA Academy Programme is a great initiative. We want more visually impaired people to join us at England and Wales Blind Golf and we always want more players, particularly younger ones.

“Having the correct tuition from the start is essential. For a blind person, particularly for those who have been blind since birth, they have never seen a golf swing and, as we know, a golf swing is idiosyncratic so you need the right tuition.”

The academy programme is being backed by leading Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa whose long term ambition is for golf to become a Paralympic sport.

As part of its support of the academy programme, ISPS will also be enabling new trained PGA professionals to provide a thousand free golf lessons for blind and disabled golfers to encourage them to think about either taking up the game of golf, or continuing to develop their golfing skills.

The first stage in this programme has been to train a number of PGA professionals as tutors to deliver the training workshops that will be rolled out over the coming months.

Dr Handa, who has been supporting blind and disabled golf for more than 25 years, was delighted to see the first lessons being delivered in the name of the ISPS Handa PGA Academy Programme.

He commented: “As we are well aware, blind and disabled golfers face a number of challenges in developing their game and to be able to provide them with greater access to specialised coaching is something we are very proud of.”

Dr Handa also appreciates that the skill and expertise of PGA professionals like Craig Thomas would be a major asset in helping blind and disabled golfers enjoy the game to the maximum.

Thomas from The Golf Academy in Wolverhampton said: “The ISPS Handa PGA Academy is the first step in increasing awareness of coaching opportunities for people with disabilities.

“It is an opportunity on two levels – to raise awareness among disabled golfers and also PGA professionals that there are demands for more coaches to deliver their skills.

“And, as we have seen today disabled golfers can play to equally as good standard as many ordinary golfers.”

]]> The first lessons of a ground-breaking initiative to help more blind and disabled golfers receive coaching were delivered today (Friday, April 20) at Celtic Manor - host venue for the ISPS Handa Wales Open from May 31-June 3.

PGA professional Craig Thomas, the first to be trained on the programme, coached four golfers, including Celtic Manor club captain and amputee Richie Willis, as part of the ISPS Handa PGA Academy Programme which is equipping PGA pros with the skills to specialise in giving high quality coaching sessions to golfers with disabilities.

"It's wonderful to see an initiative like this bringing more disabled people into golf," said Celtic Manor club captain Richie Willis, who wears a prosthetic leg as the result of a road traffic accident 12 years ago.

"I've only had one golf lesson in my entire life so it's great to know specialist tuition for disabled golfers will now be made available.

"I used to be a keen footballer and love my sport so it has been very important to me that I have been able to continue playing golf to a reasonable standard. It keeps my competitive fires burning and I would encourage other disabled people to take up the game."

Also receiving instruction were Ron Tomlinson, who is totally blind and started England and Wales Blind Golf 30 years ago, alongside Camarthen Golf Club’s Chris Evans and Derrick Sheridan from Wargrave near Henley on Thames – a member of Badgemore Park and Castle Royale golf clubs.

Tomlinson, who gave up golf after losing his sight before being inspired to start again by an American blind golfer, benefited from some advice from Thomas.

“I was leaving the club face open so Craig worked on turning the club face by physically taking me through what I was doing,” said Tomlinson.

“It was very good, as you’ve got to depend on feeling and he was spot on.”

Sheridan added: “The ISPS Handa PGA Academy Programme is a great initiative. We want more visually impaired people to join us at England and Wales Blind Golf and we always want more players, particularly younger ones.

“Having the correct tuition from the start is essential. For a blind person, particularly for those who have been blind since birth, they have never seen a golf swing and, as we know, a golf swing is idiosyncratic so you need the right tuition.”

The academy programme is being backed by leading Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa whose long term ambition is for golf to become a Paralympic sport.

As part of its support of the academy programme, ISPS will also be enabling new trained PGA professionals to provide a thousand free golf lessons for blind and disabled golfers to encourage them to think about either taking up the game of golf, or continuing to develop their golfing skills.

The first stage in this programme has been to train a number of PGA professionals as tutors to deliver the training workshops that will be rolled out over the coming months.

Dr Handa, who has been supporting blind and disabled golf for more than 25 years, was delighted to see the first lessons being delivered in the name of the ISPS Handa PGA Academy Programme.

He commented: “As we are well aware, blind and disabled golfers face a number of challenges in developing their game and to be able to provide them with greater access to specialised coaching is something we are very proud of.”

Dr Handa also appreciates that the skill and expertise of PGA professionals like Craig Thomas would be a major asset in helping blind and disabled golfers enjoy the game to the maximum.

Thomas from The Golf Academy in Wolverhampton said: “The ISPS Handa PGA Academy is the first step in increasing awareness of coaching opportunities for people with disabilities.

“It is an opportunity on two levels – to raise awareness among disabled golfers and also PGA professionals that there are demands for more coaches to deliver their skills.

“And, as we have seen today disabled golfers can play to equally as good standard as many ordinary golfers.”

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:56:00 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=4
Players and ponies from across the UK will compete in a day of professional, fast paced matches on a specially created polo field against the backdrop of the iconic Twenty Ten Ryder Cup course. Having attracted over 2,000 spectators in 2011 Polo at the Manor is set to be the social event of the season.

As well as the on-field action and a variety of hospitality packages, guests can also enjoy a visit to the polo village, the delights of the champagne bar, a pampering treat on the Elemis SpaBus and fabulous live entertainment throughout the day. If that is not enough then extend the celebration at the Celtic Manor Resort after party.

Celtic Manor Resort Chief Executive Dylan Matthews says: “After such a successful inaugural year we are delighted to host Elemis Polo at the Manor again. The event is just one of many new and exciting experiences that Celtic Manor is adding to its portfolio.”

Title sponsor Elemis is Britain’s leading spa and skincare brand and is now the sole brand for treatments and beauty products in Celtic Manor’s luxurious Forum Spa.

Elemis Managing Director Sean Harrington said: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with The Celtic Manor Resort by continuing as title sponsor of Elemis Polo at the Manor.

“Polo is a sport which brings people together to enjoy themselves and this promises to be one of the social events of the season. Our spa and skincare products are all about making people feel good about themselves and I’m sure Elemis Polo at the Manor will be an occasion when everyone has a great time.”

Make the most of the event with a selection of hospitality packages available. From champagne reception, breakfast canapés and meet and greet with the polo players to private polo pods and gourmet hampers. Packages start from £95 per person (plus VAT). Spectator admission tickets from just £17 per person.

www.poloatthemanor.co.uk

]]> Following the sell-out success of last year’s inaugural Elemis Polo at the Manor, this prestigious sporting event and social occasion will return to The Celtic Manor Resort, on Saturday 7th July 2012.

Players and ponies from across the UK will compete in a day of professional, fast paced matches on a specially created polo field against the backdrop of the iconic Twenty Ten Ryder Cup course. Having attracted over 2,000 spectators in 2011 Polo at the Manor is set to be the social event of the season.

As well as the on-field action and a variety of hospitality packages, guests can also enjoy a visit to the polo village, the delights of the champagne bar, a pampering treat on the Elemis SpaBus and fabulous live entertainment throughout the day. If that is not enough then extend the celebration at the Celtic Manor Resort after party.

Celtic Manor Resort Chief Executive Dylan Matthews says: “After such a successful inaugural year we are delighted to host Elemis Polo at the Manor again. The event is just one of many new and exciting experiences that Celtic Manor is adding to its portfolio.”

Title sponsor Elemis is Britain’s leading spa and skincare brand and is now the sole brand for treatments and beauty products in Celtic Manor’s luxurious Forum Spa.

Elemis Managing Director Sean Harrington said: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with The Celtic Manor Resort by continuing as title sponsor of Elemis Polo at the Manor.

“Polo is a sport which brings people together to enjoy themselves and this promises to be one of the social events of the season. Our spa and skincare products are all about making people feel good about themselves and I’m sure Elemis Polo at the Manor will be an occasion when everyone has a great time.”

Make the most of the event with a selection of hospitality packages available. From champagne reception, breakfast canapés and meet and greet with the polo players to private polo pods and gourmet hampers. Packages start from £95 per person (plus VAT). Spectator admission tickets from just £17 per person.

www.poloatthemanor.co.uk

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:36:28 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=5
Wales’ premier junior golf tournament starts with five regional qualifying events across Wales in April and Davies will make a special guest appearance at August’s grand final played over Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course, which provided such a dramatic stage for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Principality Building Society and The Celtic Manor Resort are both proud to be building on the legacy of Wales’ first Ryder Cup with a competition which hopes to foster future champions to follow in the footsteps of Welsh Ryder Cup heroes like Ian Woosnam and Phillip Price, and Solheim Cup star Becky Brewerton.

Davies came close to following in their footsteps in 2010 when he won the Trophée Hassan II and finished runner-up in the Madrid Masters and the Wales Open at Celtic Manor during his rookie season on the European Tour. The former Walker Cup star from Bridgend harbours ambitions of making the team in the future and believes competitions like the Principality Junior Wales Open are a great way to develop the next generation.

“The Principality Junior Wales Open has introduced many young golfers to the big tournament stage,” said Davies, a former British Boys champion.

“When I was a junior, the buzz of playing in the bigger events and trying to beat your peers had a massive impact on the development of my game. It’s great to see today’s young golfers getting this sort of opportunity in Wales and I’m sure we will see some potential stars of the future emerge.” Last year’s relaunched Principality Junior Wales Open was won by scratch handicap Gwent county player Toby Hunt and the girls’ competition was won by Amy Boulden, who went on to earn Junior Solheim Cup honours for Europe later in the year.

Other former winners of a competition which first launched in 2002 have included Rhys Pugh who was the only player to win all three of his matches in last year’s Walker Cup victory over the Americans.

At the other end of the spectrum, golfers as young as 10 got their first taste of competition outside their own clubs in last year’s event which has separate Under-13, Under-15 and Under-18 categories for both girls and boys.

Davies will take a break from his tournament schedule on the European Tour to meet the young finalists who will also enjoy an overnight stay at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort as a reward for qualifying for the event on August 20.

Wales’ premier junior golf tournament tees off with the first regional qualifier at Royal St David’s, Harlech on 4th April. Other preliminary events take place at Langland Bay (5th April), Builth Wells (11th April), Marriott St Pierre (12th April) and Radyr (13th April).

For an entry fee of £15, every competitor gets 18 holes of golf in the regional qualifier, a packed lunch and a goody bag of golfing merchandise from Welsh company Asbri, as well as the chance to bid for top prizes in the grand final.

Enter online or call Celtic Manor’s special events team on 01633 410318 for more information.



]]> European Tour star Rhys Davies has lent his support to the Principality Junior Wales Open as the competition returns to Celtic Manor in 2012, aiming to develop the next generation of golfing talent.

Wales’ premier junior golf tournament starts with five regional qualifying events across Wales in April and Davies will make a special guest appearance at August’s grand final played over Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course, which provided such a dramatic stage for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Principality Building Society and The Celtic Manor Resort are both proud to be building on the legacy of Wales’ first Ryder Cup with a competition which hopes to foster future champions to follow in the footsteps of Welsh Ryder Cup heroes like Ian Woosnam and Phillip Price, and Solheim Cup star Becky Brewerton.

Davies came close to following in their footsteps in 2010 when he won the Trophée Hassan II and finished runner-up in the Madrid Masters and the Wales Open at Celtic Manor during his rookie season on the European Tour. The former Walker Cup star from Bridgend harbours ambitions of making the team in the future and believes competitions like the Principality Junior Wales Open are a great way to develop the next generation.

“The Principality Junior Wales Open has introduced many young golfers to the big tournament stage,” said Davies, a former British Boys champion.

“When I was a junior, the buzz of playing in the bigger events and trying to beat your peers had a massive impact on the development of my game. It’s great to see today’s young golfers getting this sort of opportunity in Wales and I’m sure we will see some potential stars of the future emerge.” Last year’s relaunched Principality Junior Wales Open was won by scratch handicap Gwent county player Toby Hunt and the girls’ competition was won by Amy Boulden, who went on to earn Junior Solheim Cup honours for Europe later in the year.

Other former winners of a competition which first launched in 2002 have included Rhys Pugh who was the only player to win all three of his matches in last year’s Walker Cup victory over the Americans.

At the other end of the spectrum, golfers as young as 10 got their first taste of competition outside their own clubs in last year’s event which has separate Under-13, Under-15 and Under-18 categories for both girls and boys.

Davies will take a break from his tournament schedule on the European Tour to meet the young finalists who will also enjoy an overnight stay at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort as a reward for qualifying for the event on August 20.

Wales’ premier junior golf tournament tees off with the first regional qualifier at Royal St David’s, Harlech on 4th April. Other preliminary events take place at Langland Bay (5th April), Builth Wells (11th April), Marriott St Pierre (12th April) and Radyr (13th April).

For an entry fee of £15, every competitor gets 18 holes of golf in the regional qualifier, a packed lunch and a goody bag of golfing merchandise from Welsh company Asbri, as well as the chance to bid for top prizes in the grand final.

Enter online or call Celtic Manor’s special events team on 01633 410318 for more information.



Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:40:38 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=6
Golfers and tournament officials will be transported in style from the hotel to the Twenty Ten Clubhouse and Course, which provided such a memorable stage for The Ryder Cup in 2010.

One of the premier events on The European Tour with a brand new title sponsor this year, the ISPS Handa Wales Open from May 31-June 3 will feature many of the world’s best players. It takes place just a week after The European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

Keith Farrell, Dealer Principal of Sytner Cardiff BMW, said: “We are delighted to associate our prestige brand with the ISPS Handa Wales Open, which has grown into one of the biggest events of Wales’ sporting summer.

“We are a performance-orientated and innovative brand so there is no better fit than the sport of golf which continually sets new standards. We also look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with a venue of the quality of the Celtic Manor Resort.”

Sytner Cardiff and Newport BMW have also agreed to become the resort’s Official Car Supplier, providing vehicles for key executives and vehicles for selected VIP transfers as well as tours around Celtic Manor’s extensive grounds.

Nigel Murphy, Sponsorship and Commercial Manager at The Celtic Manor Resort, said: “We’re delighted to have Sytner Cardiff and Newport BMW on board as Official Sponsors to the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

“Players often comment on how well they are looked after during the tournament and how much they enjoy using all of our facilities – the spa, the health clubs and the restaurants. The addition of BMW courtesy cars will only enhance that overall experience and provides another example of the growing stature of this event.”

Further packages are available to become an Official Sponsor or a Patron Sponsor at the ISPS Handa Wales Open. For more information, call Sponsorship and Commercial Manager Nigel Murphy on 01633 410318.

]]> The touring golf professionals won’t be the only ones demonstrating impressive drives when the ISPS Handa Wales Open tees off at Celtic Manor this summer. Luxury car dealerships Sytner Cardiff and Newport BMW have just signed up as Official Sponsors for the tournament and will be providing the courtesy cars to shuttle the star players across the resort.

Golfers and tournament officials will be transported in style from the hotel to the Twenty Ten Clubhouse and Course, which provided such a memorable stage for The Ryder Cup in 2010.

One of the premier events on The European Tour with a brand new title sponsor this year, the ISPS Handa Wales Open from May 31-June 3 will feature many of the world’s best players. It takes place just a week after The European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

Keith Farrell, Dealer Principal of Sytner Cardiff BMW, said: “We are delighted to associate our prestige brand with the ISPS Handa Wales Open, which has grown into one of the biggest events of Wales’ sporting summer.

“We are a performance-orientated and innovative brand so there is no better fit than the sport of golf which continually sets new standards. We also look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with a venue of the quality of the Celtic Manor Resort.”

Sytner Cardiff and Newport BMW have also agreed to become the resort’s Official Car Supplier, providing vehicles for key executives and vehicles for selected VIP transfers as well as tours around Celtic Manor’s extensive grounds.

Nigel Murphy, Sponsorship and Commercial Manager at The Celtic Manor Resort, said: “We’re delighted to have Sytner Cardiff and Newport BMW on board as Official Sponsors to the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

“Players often comment on how well they are looked after during the tournament and how much they enjoy using all of our facilities – the spa, the health clubs and the restaurants. The addition of BMW courtesy cars will only enhance that overall experience and provides another example of the growing stature of this event.”

Further packages are available to become an Official Sponsor or a Patron Sponsor at the ISPS Handa Wales Open. For more information, call Sponsorship and Commercial Manager Nigel Murphy on 01633 410318.

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:34:01 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=7
The five-star resort in South Wales, which hosted golf’s prestigious Ryder Cup in 2010, retained the Gold Award by beating off strong competition from Cheshire’s Peckforton Castle (Silver) and Chewton Glen in the New Forest (Bronze).

The award cements Celtic Manor’s position as the leading destination for events in the UK. In October, it was voted the UK’s Top Conference Hotel for the fifth year running by Conference & Incentive Travel magazine.

The latest prestigious accolade, voted for by readers of Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, came at a gala dinner on the eve of this month’s International Confex, the UK’s leading exhibition for event organisers where Celtic Manor caught the eye with its prominent stand.

Celtic Manor Chief Operating Officer Ian Edwards said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award again, confirming our position as the best hotel in the UK for staging business events and incentive travel.

“Eighteen months on from hosting a Ryder Cup described as the greatest ever, it is very pleasing to keep getting this recognition and know that we remain in the public eye for staging wonderful events and exceeding our clients’ expectations.”

With 400 bedrooms in two hotels, an additional country inn, a large and versatile convention centre, three championship golf courses, six restaurants, two luxurious spas and health clubs, The Celtic Manor Resort occupies a unique position in the marketplace.

In 2011 the resort created a new Monmouth Lounge break-out area for lunch and refreshments, installed digital signage throughout the convention centre and placed flat screens in meeting rooms. New team building attractions were also added in the shape of adventure mini-golf courses and a treetop high ropes course.

The resort’s convention centre – one of the largest hotel facilities of its kind in Europe – houses the Caernarfon Suite which can seat 1,500 delegates for a keynote lecture or 900 dining guests for a gala dinner. An additional 31 syndicate and meeting rooms with break-out areas can cater for every event from a small meeting around a table to large presentations for hundreds of people.

Set in 1,400 acres of beautiful Usk Valley parkland and ideally located on the M4 motorway just two hours from London, Celtic Manor also offers an abundance of leisure incentives including three championship golf courses and the luxurious Forum Spa.

For more information or to book your next event at Celtic Manor, call the Events Team on 01633 410252.

]]> The Celtic Manor Resort has scooped another top prize after being named the UK’s Best Hotel at the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards for the second year running.

The five-star resort in South Wales, which hosted golf’s prestigious Ryder Cup in 2010, retained the Gold Award by beating off strong competition from Cheshire’s Peckforton Castle (Silver) and Chewton Glen in the New Forest (Bronze).

The award cements Celtic Manor’s position as the leading destination for events in the UK. In October, it was voted the UK’s Top Conference Hotel for the fifth year running by Conference & Incentive Travel magazine.

The latest prestigious accolade, voted for by readers of Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, came at a gala dinner on the eve of this month’s International Confex, the UK’s leading exhibition for event organisers where Celtic Manor caught the eye with its prominent stand.

Celtic Manor Chief Operating Officer Ian Edwards said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award again, confirming our position as the best hotel in the UK for staging business events and incentive travel.

“Eighteen months on from hosting a Ryder Cup described as the greatest ever, it is very pleasing to keep getting this recognition and know that we remain in the public eye for staging wonderful events and exceeding our clients’ expectations.”

With 400 bedrooms in two hotels, an additional country inn, a large and versatile convention centre, three championship golf courses, six restaurants, two luxurious spas and health clubs, The Celtic Manor Resort occupies a unique position in the marketplace.

In 2011 the resort created a new Monmouth Lounge break-out area for lunch and refreshments, installed digital signage throughout the convention centre and placed flat screens in meeting rooms. New team building attractions were also added in the shape of adventure mini-golf courses and a treetop high ropes course.

The resort’s convention centre – one of the largest hotel facilities of its kind in Europe – houses the Caernarfon Suite which can seat 1,500 delegates for a keynote lecture or 900 dining guests for a gala dinner. An additional 31 syndicate and meeting rooms with break-out areas can cater for every event from a small meeting around a table to large presentations for hundreds of people.

Set in 1,400 acres of beautiful Usk Valley parkland and ideally located on the M4 motorway just two hours from London, Celtic Manor also offers an abundance of leisure incentives including three championship golf courses and the luxurious Forum Spa.

For more information or to book your next event at Celtic Manor, call the Events Team on 01633 410252.

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:48:47 +00:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=8
Grand National winning jockey, Mick Fitzgerald, will front the Fairway to Furlong series of golf and racing events starting at Celtic Manor with the Cheltenham Festival Golf Day on Monday 12th March.

Fitzgerald and At The Races TV presenter Gina Bryce accompanied Cheltenham Festival runner, On Khee, down to the Twenty Ten Course for an an unusual photo shoot.

Fairway to Furlong is sponsoring Bryce as she attempts to win the St Patrick’s Derby Charity Race aboard On Khee, which is trained by David Pipe and owned by Ross Marshall and Andrew Harding.

Mick Fitzgerald said “It was a lot of fun and I am really pleased to be able to help the Seve Ballesteros Foundation. He was a great golfer and it is so important his brave fight with cancer continues to be an inspiration to others.

"The Fairway to Furlong events are always a lot of fun and I am looking forward to sitting on the final preview panel alongside David Pipe, Jason Maguire and Derek Thompson."

On Khee’s trainer David Pipe joked: “Obviously this is a bit of a break from her daily routine but I am fairly sure she was delighted to swerve the early morning session on the gallops. She’s a lovely mare with decent form on the flat so hopefully she’ll give Gina a good chance in the St Patrick’s Derby at Cheltenham.”

Gina said “I am really looking forward to taking part in the Charity Race at the Cheltenham Festival. I’m working hard to give the best possible account of myself but it is all good fun and for a very worthwhile cause. Thank you to Fairway to Furlong for sponsoring me, here’s hoping we find ourselves in the winner’s enclosure come March!”

Ross Marshall, CEO of Fairway to Furlong, said: “We are extremely grateful to Gina and Mick for supporting us and helping to launch the Fairway to Furlong Series 2012. It is very kind of the Celtic Manor Resort to have us all down here and to tolerate a race horse on their first tee! Let’s hope it is all worth it and we raise some money for Cancer Research UK. We all love our golf so it seemed appropriate to pick the Seve Ballesteros Foundation as our chosen charity.”

The 5-star Celtic Manor Resort plays host to the 2012 Official Cheltenham Festival Golf Day on Monday 12th March. Guests can enjoy 18 holes of golf on either the Twenty Ten or Roman Road courses, goody bags courtesy of Cleveland Srixon, complimentary buggies and live VPAR scoring so you can follow your progress up the leader board.

After a light lunch, guests are invited to a gala dinner where an expert racing panel will give an entertaining insight in to the Festival before a charity auction is held in aid of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation. The evening concludes with live music before guests retire to enjoy a night in the luxurious 5-star hotel.

Well rested, guests can make their way to the club enclosure for Tuesday’s racing armed with knowledge and tips gleaned from the Fairway to Furlong panel of experts.

Packages to play golf on the Roman Road course and attend the gala dinner cost just £996 for a team of four. This does not include club enclosure tickets to the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Those looking for the ‘Ryder Cup’ experience on the Twenty Ten course and tickets for the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 13th March can enjoy all that for just £2,000 per team.

All packages include an overnight stay at Celtic Manor.

For more information, or to book, call Sam Krume on 020 7336 5346, email sam@fairwaytofurlong.com or visit www.fairwaytofurlong.com.

For more information on racing at Cheltenham visit www.cheltenham.co.uk.

]]> Picture caption: Jockeys Mick Fitzgerald and Gina Bryce with On Khee on the first tee of Celtic Manor's Twenty Ten Course.

Grand National winning jockey, Mick Fitzgerald, will front the Fairway to Furlong series of golf and racing events starting at Celtic Manor with the Cheltenham Festival Golf Day on Monday 12th March.

Fitzgerald and At The Races TV presenter Gina Bryce accompanied Cheltenham Festival runner, On Khee, down to the Twenty Ten Course for an an unusual photo shoot.

Fairway to Furlong is sponsoring Bryce as she attempts to win the St Patrick’s Derby Charity Race aboard On Khee, which is trained by David Pipe and owned by Ross Marshall and Andrew Harding.

Mick Fitzgerald said “It was a lot of fun and I am really pleased to be able to help the Seve Ballesteros Foundation. He was a great golfer and it is so important his brave fight with cancer continues to be an inspiration to others.

"The Fairway to Furlong events are always a lot of fun and I am looking forward to sitting on the final preview panel alongside David Pipe, Jason Maguire and Derek Thompson."

On Khee’s trainer David Pipe joked: “Obviously this is a bit of a break from her daily routine but I am fairly sure she was delighted to swerve the early morning session on the gallops. She’s a lovely mare with decent form on the flat so hopefully she’ll give Gina a good chance in the St Patrick’s Derby at Cheltenham.”

Gina said “I am really looking forward to taking part in the Charity Race at the Cheltenham Festival. I’m working hard to give the best possible account of myself but it is all good fun and for a very worthwhile cause. Thank you to Fairway to Furlong for sponsoring me, here’s hoping we find ourselves in the winner’s enclosure come March!”

Ross Marshall, CEO of Fairway to Furlong, said: “We are extremely grateful to Gina and Mick for supporting us and helping to launch the Fairway to Furlong Series 2012. It is very kind of the Celtic Manor Resort to have us all down here and to tolerate a race horse on their first tee! Let’s hope it is all worth it and we raise some money for Cancer Research UK. We all love our golf so it seemed appropriate to pick the Seve Ballesteros Foundation as our chosen charity.”

The 5-star Celtic Manor Resort plays host to the 2012 Official Cheltenham Festival Golf Day on Monday 12th March. Guests can enjoy 18 holes of golf on either the Twenty Ten or Roman Road courses, goody bags courtesy of Cleveland Srixon, complimentary buggies and live VPAR scoring so you can follow your progress up the leader board.

After a light lunch, guests are invited to a gala dinner where an expert racing panel will give an entertaining insight in to the Festival before a charity auction is held in aid of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation. The evening concludes with live music before guests retire to enjoy a night in the luxurious 5-star hotel.

Well rested, guests can make their way to the club enclosure for Tuesday’s racing armed with knowledge and tips gleaned from the Fairway to Furlong panel of experts.

Packages to play golf on the Roman Road course and attend the gala dinner cost just £996 for a team of four. This does not include club enclosure tickets to the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Those looking for the ‘Ryder Cup’ experience on the Twenty Ten course and tickets for the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 13th March can enjoy all that for just £2,000 per team.

All packages include an overnight stay at Celtic Manor.

For more information, or to book, call Sam Krume on 020 7336 5346, email sam@fairwaytofurlong.com or visit www.fairwaytofurlong.com.

For more information on racing at Cheltenham visit www.cheltenham.co.uk.

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:08:42 +00:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=9
Played over the same Twenty Ten Course as the dramatic 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, the ISPS Handa Wales Open is sure to attract many of the stars bidding to play their way into this year’s European team to face the Americans in Chicago.

By booking before the end of February, golf fans wishing to secure their place in the galleries at Celtic Manor this summer can make significant savings. An adult ticket for a full day’s play will cost £30 on the gate but is available until February 29 at a special rate of just £21. A season ticket to see all four days is only £47 (£65 on the gate).

There are further discounts for Seniors over 60 while children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult for the tournament which runs from May 31-June 3.

For those wishing to make it a really special occasion or to entertain clients, a full day’s VIP hospitality is also available. From just £200, plus VAT, hospitality tickets include morning coffee and pastries on arrival, a four-course lunch with wine, afternoon tea, a complimentary bar all day and TV screens to watch the tournament action.

Celtic Manor Resort Chief Executive Dylan Matthews said: “This year’s ISPS Handa Wales Open promises to be another fantastic event as we welcome on board our new title sponsor.

“With a first prize of £300,000 and a total purse of £1.8m, we know many of the European Tour’s leading players will be vying for the Ryder Cup qualifying points on offer.

“The dramatic conclusion to the last Ryder Cup here at Celtic Manor is still fresh in the memory and this is another great opportunity for sports fans to see more top-class golf on the spectacular Twenty Ten Course.”

Past winners of the tournament have included Ryder Cup stars Graeme McDowell, Robert Karlsson, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Ian Poulter, Paul Lawrie and Paul McGinley.

Last year, Alexander Noren triumphed by two strokes before going on to claim the Nordea Masters in his native Sweden and finishing 14th in the 2011 Race to Dubai.

As well as top-class golfing action, the tournament offers a great day out for all the family with a tented village including bar, food outlets, shops selling golf merchandise and opportunities for youngsters to try their hand at golf.

ISPS (International Sports Promotion Society) was founded by Japanese philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, in 2006 and has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

Early Bird prices - available until 29th February 2012

Adults: Daily £21 / Season £47
Seniors: Daily £11 / Season £32
Under 16s: free when accompanied by a full paying adult or senior.

Please note a booking fee of £1.50 applies to each order.

Book Online Now

]]> To celebrate its new title sponsor for 2012, the ISPS Handa Wales Open is offering special reductions on tournament admission for fans who snap up their tickets early.

Played over the same Twenty Ten Course as the dramatic 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, the ISPS Handa Wales Open is sure to attract many of the stars bidding to play their way into this year’s European team to face the Americans in Chicago.

By booking before the end of February, golf fans wishing to secure their place in the galleries at Celtic Manor this summer can make significant savings. An adult ticket for a full day’s play will cost £30 on the gate but is available until February 29 at a special rate of just £21. A season ticket to see all four days is only £47 (£65 on the gate).

There are further discounts for Seniors over 60 while children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult for the tournament which runs from May 31-June 3.

For those wishing to make it a really special occasion or to entertain clients, a full day’s VIP hospitality is also available. From just £200, plus VAT, hospitality tickets include morning coffee and pastries on arrival, a four-course lunch with wine, afternoon tea, a complimentary bar all day and TV screens to watch the tournament action.

Celtic Manor Resort Chief Executive Dylan Matthews said: “This year’s ISPS Handa Wales Open promises to be another fantastic event as we welcome on board our new title sponsor.

“With a first prize of £300,000 and a total purse of £1.8m, we know many of the European Tour’s leading players will be vying for the Ryder Cup qualifying points on offer.

“The dramatic conclusion to the last Ryder Cup here at Celtic Manor is still fresh in the memory and this is another great opportunity for sports fans to see more top-class golf on the spectacular Twenty Ten Course.”

Past winners of the tournament have included Ryder Cup stars Graeme McDowell, Robert Karlsson, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Ian Poulter, Paul Lawrie and Paul McGinley.

Last year, Alexander Noren triumphed by two strokes before going on to claim the Nordea Masters in his native Sweden and finishing 14th in the 2011 Race to Dubai.

As well as top-class golfing action, the tournament offers a great day out for all the family with a tented village including bar, food outlets, shops selling golf merchandise and opportunities for youngsters to try their hand at golf.

ISPS (International Sports Promotion Society) was founded by Japanese philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, in 2006 and has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

Early Bird prices - available until 29th February 2012

Adults: Daily £21 / Season £47
Seniors: Daily £11 / Season £32
Under 16s: free when accompanied by a full paying adult or senior.

Please note a booking fee of £1.50 applies to each order.

Book Online Now

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:01:54 +00:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=10
Celtic Manor was voted into first place in both Welsh categories – best golf course and best hotel/resort – in the awards run by the UK’s best selling golf magazine, in association with Your Golf Travel.

The resort’s Twenty Ten Course polled 53 per cent of the vote for best golf course in Wales, beating the celebrated links courses at Royal Porthcawl (15 per cent) and Royal St David’s, Harlech (11 per cent) into second and third place respectively. In the hotel/resort section, Celtic Manor took a massive 80 per cent of the poll with Marriott St Pierre (11 per cent) second and The Vale (7 per cent) third.

The awards came hot on the heels of further Celtic Manor recognition when it was named the Readers’ Choice for best UK golf club in the Club Mirror awards. On that occasion, it beat off competition from a shortlist of four other prestigious clubs – Sunningdale, Wentworth Club, Royal Birkdale and Gleneagles.

Celtic Manor Director of Golf and Leisure Matthew Lewis said: “It’s always pleasing to win awards but it’s particularly satisfying that these awards have been voted for by readers.

“We enjoyed a record year for numbers of visiting golfers in 2011 and the fact they have chosen us for these accolades is the finest endorsement we can get, particularly when you look at the quality of the other clubs and venues in the running.”

Shortly after hosting a Ryder Cup finale described as the “greatest ever” in 2010, The Celtic Manor Resort was named Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year for 2011 and the UK’s Sport Venue of the Year. The latest awards show that the Ryder Cup legacy is continuing to keep the South Wales venue firmly in the spotlight.

The Twenty Ten Course which provided such a dramatic stage for Europe’s nail-biting victory over the Americans continues to host the ISPS Handa Wales Open on the European Tour, which takes place this year from May 31-June 3.

For more information or to book your next round or golf trip, visit our golf section or call Reservations on 01633 410263.

]]> The Celtic Manor Resort is celebrating a double success after dominating the Wales regional section in the inaugural Today’s Golfer travel awards.

Celtic Manor was voted into first place in both Welsh categories – best golf course and best hotel/resort – in the awards run by the UK’s best selling golf magazine, in association with Your Golf Travel.

The resort’s Twenty Ten Course polled 53 per cent of the vote for best golf course in Wales, beating the celebrated links courses at Royal Porthcawl (15 per cent) and Royal St David’s, Harlech (11 per cent) into second and third place respectively. In the hotel/resort section, Celtic Manor took a massive 80 per cent of the poll with Marriott St Pierre (11 per cent) second and The Vale (7 per cent) third.

The awards came hot on the heels of further Celtic Manor recognition when it was named the Readers’ Choice for best UK golf club in the Club Mirror awards. On that occasion, it beat off competition from a shortlist of four other prestigious clubs – Sunningdale, Wentworth Club, Royal Birkdale and Gleneagles.

Celtic Manor Director of Golf and Leisure Matthew Lewis said: “It’s always pleasing to win awards but it’s particularly satisfying that these awards have been voted for by readers.

“We enjoyed a record year for numbers of visiting golfers in 2011 and the fact they have chosen us for these accolades is the finest endorsement we can get, particularly when you look at the quality of the other clubs and venues in the running.”

Shortly after hosting a Ryder Cup finale described as the “greatest ever” in 2010, The Celtic Manor Resort was named Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year for 2011 and the UK’s Sport Venue of the Year. The latest awards show that the Ryder Cup legacy is continuing to keep the South Wales venue firmly in the spotlight.

The Twenty Ten Course which provided such a dramatic stage for Europe’s nail-biting victory over the Americans continues to host the ISPS Handa Wales Open on the European Tour, which takes place this year from May 31-June 3.

For more information or to book your next round or golf trip, visit our golf section or call Reservations on 01633 410263.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:01:44 +00:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=11
The masterclass at 2pm GMT will be streamed live on the Golfing World website. Tune in here www.golfingworld.tv/live

Dale, a Cleveland short game ambassador, will be demonstrating his golf tricks and providing some tips on how to improve your golf game.

He's also inviting your questions so if there's something bugging your game at the moment, or you'd like to know how he performs certain tricks, ask your questions on Twitter or Facebook and he will answer them live on the day.

The best question posed to @TheCelticManor or www.facebook.com/CelticManor  will win an overnight stay for two people sharing a room and a twoball on the Roman Road course.

You can also join in the conversation on Twitter @Golfingworldtv using the #GWlive hashtag.

For more details of the event visit http://www.golfingworld.tv/en/news/2011/december/05/the-golfing-world-live-instructional

; ]]> Renowned golf trick show artist Jeremy Dale will run through his impressive repertoire in a Live Trick Show and Instructional Masterclass at Celtic Manor on Tuesday 13th December.

The masterclass at 2pm GMT will be streamed live on the Golfing World website. Tune in here www.golfingworld.tv/live

Dale, a Cleveland short game ambassador, will be demonstrating his golf tricks and providing some tips on how to improve your golf game.

He's also inviting your questions so if there's something bugging your game at the moment, or you'd like to know how he performs certain tricks, ask your questions on Twitter or Facebook and he will answer them live on the day.

The best question posed to @TheCelticManor or www.facebook.com/CelticManor  will win an overnight stay for two people sharing a room and a twoball on the Roman Road course.

You can also join in the conversation on Twitter @Golfingworldtv using the #GWlive hashtag.

For more details of the event visit http://www.golfingworld.tv/en/news/2011/december/05/the-golfing-world-live-instructional

; Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:03 +00:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=12
Chaired by Japanese businessman and philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa, ISPS supports the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) and will be raising the profile of blind and disabled golf through its association with the ISPS Handa Wales Open and other golf tournaments around the world.

The 2012 ISPS Handa Wales Open from May 31 - June 3 will be ISPS’s first European Tour event following successful sponsorships of tournaments on the European Senior Tour, Ladies European Tour, Asian Tour, Japanese Golf Tour Organisation, PGA of Japan Seniors Tour, Australian PGA and Legends Tour.

ISPS Chairman Dr Handa said: “ISPS is delighted to become title sponsor of our first European Tour event. The Celtic Manor Resort is a fantastic venue and we are looking forward to working with them on hosting the ISPS Handa Wales Open over the historic Twenty Ten Course for the next three years.

“ISPS is committed to raising the profile of blind and disabled golf throughout the world, having established the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) in 1998. We believe the ISPS Handa Wales Open offers a great platform from which to promote our mission for golf to become a Paralympic sport.”

Welcoming the sponsorship at The Celtic Manor Resort today (Monday) was Paul McGinley, who claimed one of his four European Tour victories at Celtic Manor and was a vice-captain of the victorious European 2010 Ryder Cup team at the venue. McGinley said: “It is always a personal pleasure to return to Celtic Manor, the scene of some of my happiest memories in golf and I am very happy to be here to welcome ISPS as title sponsor of the ISPS Handa Wales Open. On behalf of European Tour players, we look forward to working with them and supporting them in raising the profile of blind and disabled golf.”

With a prize fund of £1.8m and staged on the Twenty Ten Course which hosted such a memorable Ryder Cup in 2010, the ISPS Handa Wales Open has grown into one of the most established golf events in Europe.

Celtic Manor Resort Chief Executive Dylan Matthews said: “We are delighted to welcome ISPS on board as the title sponsor of the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

“It is fantastic news that we are now able to secure the future of the tournament and raise its profile to an even higher level with this ground-breaking three-year partnership.

“It also gives us great pleasure to work with an organisation that does such valuable work in taking golf to new audiences, particularly increasing participation in blind and disabled golf across the world.”

The agreement between The Celtic Manor Resort, which continues to act as the event host and promoter, and ISPS was brokered by WSM Communications.

Andrew White, Chief Executive of WSM Communications said: “The ISPS Handa Wales Open represents a great opportunity for ISPS to raise the profile of blind and disabled golf on European golf’s elite stage for the first time. We were delighted to be able to create this partnership with The Celtic Manor Resort.”

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer and Director of International Policy of The European Tour, said: “We have developed a strong partnership with ISPS on the European Senior Tour and we are now delighted to welcome Dr Handa to The European Tour International Schedule through their title sponsorship of the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

“The tournament has grown in stature since its inception in 2000 and our Members will look forward to continuing their association with Sir Terry Matthews, and the event he made possible with his vision and commitment, in addition to playing the highly acclaimed Twenty Ten Course.”

Dr Handa has more than 25 years involvement in golf around the world at varying levels of the game. He is International Ambassador to the Asian Tour and the Ladies European Tour. He is also Patron of Golf Australia alongside Greg Norman and Honorary Chairman of the Legends Tour. ISPS is a Major Partner of Faldo Series Asia, Nick Faldo’s golf development programme.

Occupying a prime early summer slot in The European Tour International Schedule, immediately after the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, the ISPS Handa Wales Open has been staged at The Celtic Manor Resort since its inception in 2000.

Many of The European Tour’s biggest names have graced the tournament during its 12-year history. Reigning champion Alexander Noren also claimed the 2011 Nordea Masters in his native Sweden, while 2010 winner McDowell went on to capture the US Open two weeks after his triumph at Celtic Manor.

Tickets for the ISPS Handa Wales Open are available at an early bird price of £21 adult daily and £47 adult season until 29th February 2012. For tickets and further information, visit www.ispshandawalesopen.com

]]> The three-year sponsorship deal with ISPS launches an exciting new chapter in the history of the tournament which counts Ryder Cup stars Paul McGinley, Paul Lawrie, Ian Poulter, Miguel Angel Jimenéz, Robert Karlsson and Graeme McDowell among its former champions.

Chaired by Japanese businessman and philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa, ISPS supports the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) and will be raising the profile of blind and disabled golf through its association with the ISPS Handa Wales Open and other golf tournaments around the world.

The 2012 ISPS Handa Wales Open from May 31 - June 3 will be ISPS’s first European Tour event following successful sponsorships of tournaments on the European Senior Tour, Ladies European Tour, Asian Tour, Japanese Golf Tour Organisation, PGA of Japan Seniors Tour, Australian PGA and Legends Tour.

ISPS Chairman Dr Handa said: “ISPS is delighted to become title sponsor of our first European Tour event. The Celtic Manor Resort is a fantastic venue and we are looking forward to working with them on hosting the ISPS Handa Wales Open over the historic Twenty Ten Course for the next three years.

“ISPS is committed to raising the profile of blind and disabled golf throughout the world, having established the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) in 1998. We believe the ISPS Handa Wales Open offers a great platform from which to promote our mission for golf to become a Paralympic sport.”

Welcoming the sponsorship at The Celtic Manor Resort today (Monday) was Paul McGinley, who claimed one of his four European Tour victories at Celtic Manor and was a vice-captain of the victorious European 2010 Ryder Cup team at the venue. McGinley said: “It is always a personal pleasure to return to Celtic Manor, the scene of some of my happiest memories in golf and I am very happy to be here to welcome ISPS as title sponsor of the ISPS Handa Wales Open. On behalf of European Tour players, we look forward to working with them and supporting them in raising the profile of blind and disabled golf.”

With a prize fund of £1.8m and staged on the Twenty Ten Course which hosted such a memorable Ryder Cup in 2010, the ISPS Handa Wales Open has grown into one of the most established golf events in Europe.

Celtic Manor Resort Chief Executive Dylan Matthews said: “We are delighted to welcome ISPS on board as the title sponsor of the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

“It is fantastic news that we are now able to secure the future of the tournament and raise its profile to an even higher level with this ground-breaking three-year partnership.

“It also gives us great pleasure to work with an organisation that does such valuable work in taking golf to new audiences, particularly increasing participation in blind and disabled golf across the world.”

The agreement between The Celtic Manor Resort, which continues to act as the event host and promoter, and ISPS was brokered by WSM Communications.

Andrew White, Chief Executive of WSM Communications said: “The ISPS Handa Wales Open represents a great opportunity for ISPS to raise the profile of blind and disabled golf on European golf’s elite stage for the first time. We were delighted to be able to create this partnership with The Celtic Manor Resort.”

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer and Director of International Policy of The European Tour, said: “We have developed a strong partnership with ISPS on the European Senior Tour and we are now delighted to welcome Dr Handa to The European Tour International Schedule through their title sponsorship of the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

“The tournament has grown in stature since its inception in 2000 and our Members will look forward to continuing their association with Sir Terry Matthews, and the event he made possible with his vision and commitment, in addition to playing the highly acclaimed Twenty Ten Course.”

Dr Handa has more than 25 years involvement in golf around the world at varying levels of the game. He is International Ambassador to the Asian Tour and the Ladies European Tour. He is also Patron of Golf Australia alongside Greg Norman and Honorary Chairman of the Legends Tour. ISPS is a Major Partner of Faldo Series Asia, Nick Faldo’s golf development programme.

Occupying a prime early summer slot in The European Tour International Schedule, immediately after the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, the ISPS Handa Wales Open has been staged at The Celtic Manor Resort since its inception in 2000.

Many of The European Tour’s biggest names have graced the tournament during its 12-year history. Reigning champion Alexander Noren also claimed the 2011 Nordea Masters in his native Sweden, while 2010 winner McDowell went on to capture the US Open two weeks after his triumph at Celtic Manor.

Tickets for the ISPS Handa Wales Open are available at an early bird price of £21 adult daily and £47 adult season until 29th February 2012. For tickets and further information, visit www.ispshandawalesopen.com

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:47:05 +00:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=13
Scored on precision, speed and teamwork, the Kill family collected the most points over four rounds to win a two-night luxury stay in a two-bedroom suite at The Celtic Manor Resort.

“The hardest part was crossing the rope loops holding a beaker of water each during the Aqua Challenge, but our teamwork paid off in the end when we collected enough water to come second in that round,” said Hannah Fox, aged 13.

The winning family were also second in the opening Target Challenge and then flew around the low ropes course in 4 minutes 14 seconds to win the Speed Challenge. But they were caught and then overhauled at the top of the leaderboard when both the Stannard and Griffiths families secured their hoop bonuses in the final round.

In a thrilling finish, Hannah successfully delivered the ball into the hoop held by dad Nigel to add their own 10 bonus points and finish with a remarkable 36 points out of a possible 40.

Celtic Manor’s search for Wales’ Ultimate Family invited entries from all over Wales and the five finalist families enjoyed an overnight stay at The Celtic Manor Resort for reaching that stage of the competition.

Details of our search for Wales’ Ultimate Family 2012 will be announced shortly.

]]> The Kill family from Raglan has been crowned Wales’ Ultimate Family after winning the inaugural final challenge on the Forest Jump course.

Scored on precision, speed and teamwork, the Kill family collected the most points over four rounds to win a two-night luxury stay in a two-bedroom suite at The Celtic Manor Resort.

“The hardest part was crossing the rope loops holding a beaker of water each during the Aqua Challenge, but our teamwork paid off in the end when we collected enough water to come second in that round,” said Hannah Fox, aged 13.

The winning family were also second in the opening Target Challenge and then flew around the low ropes course in 4 minutes 14 seconds to win the Speed Challenge. But they were caught and then overhauled at the top of the leaderboard when both the Stannard and Griffiths families secured their hoop bonuses in the final round.

In a thrilling finish, Hannah successfully delivered the ball into the hoop held by dad Nigel to add their own 10 bonus points and finish with a remarkable 36 points out of a possible 40.

Celtic Manor’s search for Wales’ Ultimate Family invited entries from all over Wales and the five finalist families enjoyed an overnight stay at The Celtic Manor Resort for reaching that stage of the competition.

Details of our search for Wales’ Ultimate Family 2012 will be announced shortly.

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:23:31 +00:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=14
This network ensures that serious golfers around the world can access a Titleist club fitting service and underlines Titleist’s philosophy of ‘Better Fit. Better Game.’ Building on the success of Titleist’s National Fitting Centres in the UK and Ireland, at St. Ives Golf Club in Cambridgeshire, Kings Acre Golf Club near Edinburgh and the G.U.I National Academy at Carton House near Dublin, Titleist is further expanding its fitting network with the announcement of a National Fitting Centre based at The Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales.

Opening to the public on October 31st, the new facility will be run by Celtic Manor’s highly-trained teaching professionals who will provide guests with the same fitting processes, equipment and technology that have helped the likes of Titleist Brand Ambassadors Rory McIlroy, Matteo Manassero and Adam Scott claim victories across the worldwide professional tours this year.

“The introduction of a Titleist National Fitting Centre at The Celtic Manor Resort is a hugely exciting addition to our club fitting network. Celtic Manor is a world renowned golf destination and we are hugely proud of our association and delighted to be opening our latest National Fitting Centre at this superb venue.” commented Richard Temple, Titleist Golf Club Product and Fitting Manager. “The PGA qualified Fitting Technicians at Celtic Manor have been trained by experts in the field of club fitting, including master wedge craftsman Bob Vokey, and their knowledge, coupled with the technology at their disposal, will ensure that each and every visitor to the new facility will experience the benefits of professionally fitted Titleist golf club products,” continued Temple.

Each of the Titleist National Fitting Centres are fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, an extensive range of the latest Titleist club product, including the 910 metals, 712 series irons and SM4 wedges, and array of shaft options. Each fitting for a 910 metal benefits from the innovative SureFit Tour technology, which allows for independent loft and lie adjustment, while fittings for the new 712 series irons, due for launch in mid-November, use an equally innovative, dual-angle SureFit hosel system that allows both interchangeable heads and shafts and for two different lie angles to be achieved from a single club-head. Such Titleist-developed fitting technology helps to ensure a precise and efficient club fitting service for the player. Club fittings at the Titleist National Fitting Centres also utilise Trackman Pro™ launch monitors, which use radar technology to provide a complete statistical analysis of each shot. Trackman Pro™ has the capacity to analyse the club at impact, the ball flight down range and provide a whole host of invaluable statistics that the Titleist fitters can use to determine the ideal club specification for the player.

A host of Titleist Brand Ambassadors have demonstrated the Titleist ‘Better Fit. Better Game.’ philosophy in recent weeks having used precisely fit Titleist club products for tournament success across the worldwide professional tours. Rickie Fowler, Kevin Na, Bryce Molder, Michael Hoey and Lee Slattery are just some of the full-line Titleist players to have topped leaderboards with Titleist products and, most recently, Ben Crane trusted Titleist equipment throughout his bag to win the PGA Tour’s McGladrey Classic and become the sixteenth different Titleist Ambassador to claim victory on the PGA Tour in 2011. Proof not only of the quality and performance of Titleist products but also a clear indication as to the importance of correctly fitted golf club product.

Bookings for the Titleist National Fitting Centre at The Celtic Manor Resort are available on an appointment only basis on Mondays and Thursdays.

More on The Academy at Celtic Manor

]]> As a market-leader in custom-fitting, Titleist utilises golf’s most advanced fitting tools and teams of highly-skilled fitters to provide a global network of club fitting services.

This network ensures that serious golfers around the world can access a Titleist club fitting service and underlines Titleist’s philosophy of ‘Better Fit. Better Game.’ Building on the success of Titleist’s National Fitting Centres in the UK and Ireland, at St. Ives Golf Club in Cambridgeshire, Kings Acre Golf Club near Edinburgh and the G.U.I National Academy at Carton House near Dublin, Titleist is further expanding its fitting network with the announcement of a National Fitting Centre based at The Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales.

Opening to the public on October 31st, the new facility will be run by Celtic Manor’s highly-trained teaching professionals who will provide guests with the same fitting processes, equipment and technology that have helped the likes of Titleist Brand Ambassadors Rory McIlroy, Matteo Manassero and Adam Scott claim victories across the worldwide professional tours this year.

“The introduction of a Titleist National Fitting Centre at The Celtic Manor Resort is a hugely exciting addition to our club fitting network. Celtic Manor is a world renowned golf destination and we are hugely proud of our association and delighted to be opening our latest National Fitting Centre at this superb venue.” commented Richard Temple, Titleist Golf Club Product and Fitting Manager. “The PGA qualified Fitting Technicians at Celtic Manor have been trained by experts in the field of club fitting, including master wedge craftsman Bob Vokey, and their knowledge, coupled with the technology at their disposal, will ensure that each and every visitor to the new facility will experience the benefits of professionally fitted Titleist golf club products,” continued Temple.

Each of the Titleist National Fitting Centres are fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, an extensive range of the latest Titleist club product, including the 910 metals, 712 series irons and SM4 wedges, and array of shaft options. Each fitting for a 910 metal benefits from the innovative SureFit Tour technology, which allows for independent loft and lie adjustment, while fittings for the new 712 series irons, due for launch in mid-November, use an equally innovative, dual-angle SureFit hosel system that allows both interchangeable heads and shafts and for two different lie angles to be achieved from a single club-head. Such Titleist-developed fitting technology helps to ensure a precise and efficient club fitting service for the player. Club fittings at the Titleist National Fitting Centres also utilise Trackman Pro™ launch monitors, which use radar technology to provide a complete statistical analysis of each shot. Trackman Pro™ has the capacity to analyse the club at impact, the ball flight down range and provide a whole host of invaluable statistics that the Titleist fitters can use to determine the ideal club specification for the player.

A host of Titleist Brand Ambassadors have demonstrated the Titleist ‘Better Fit. Better Game.’ philosophy in recent weeks having used precisely fit Titleist club products for tournament success across the worldwide professional tours. Rickie Fowler, Kevin Na, Bryce Molder, Michael Hoey and Lee Slattery are just some of the full-line Titleist players to have topped leaderboards with Titleist products and, most recently, Ben Crane trusted Titleist equipment throughout his bag to win the PGA Tour’s McGladrey Classic and become the sixteenth different Titleist Ambassador to claim victory on the PGA Tour in 2011. Proof not only of the quality and performance of Titleist products but also a clear indication as to the importance of correctly fitted golf club product.

Bookings for the Titleist National Fitting Centre at The Celtic Manor Resort are available on an appointment only basis on Mondays and Thursdays.

More on The Academy at Celtic Manor

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:03:55 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=15
The five-star resort in South Wales topped the poll once again in Conference & Incentive Travel magazine’s prestigious Hot List Awards.

The Gold Award caps another momentous year for the venue which hosted such a memorable Ryder Cup in 2010. The venue beat off some strong competition for the prize with London’s Savoy Hotel taking the silver award and The Grove in Hertfordshire claiming bronze.

Celtic Manor had already in 2011 been named Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators; UK Sport Venue of the Year at the Sport Industry Awards; and Best UK Hotel at the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards.

With 400 bedrooms in two hotels, a large and versatile convention centre, three championship golf courses, five restaurants, a separate country inn, two luxurious spas and health clubs and a host of other leisure activities, The Celtic Manor Resort occupies a unique position in the marketplace.

Its recent succession of top awards has not prevented the resort from improving its conference facilities this year with new digital signage and a breakout lounge for lunch and refreshments.

The resort has also further enhanced its offering to corporate clients in 2011 with the opening of new treetop high ropes and adventure golf activities, which are ideal for team-building exercises.

Celtic Manor Chief Operating Officer Ian Edwards said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award, confirming our position as the best conference hotel in the UK.

“It is particularly satisfying that this comes as the result of a reader poll conducted with the industry experts, who are our clients. For them to vote for us to receive this award five years in a row is something we are very proud of.

“Having just celebrated the first anniversary of a Ryder Cup which many described as the greatest ever, it is very reassuring to know that we are still more than meeting the expectations of our customers and winning prestigious awards like this one.

“The award is a reflection not only of the excellent facilities at The Celtic Manor Resort but also the dedication to customer service of our entire staff.”

The resort’s convention centre – one of the largest hotel facilities of its kind in Europe – houses the Caernarfon Suite which can seat 1,500 delegates for a keynote lecture or 900 dining guests for a gala dinner. An additional 31 syndicate and meeting rooms with break-out areas can cater for every event from a small meeting around a table to large presentations for hundreds of people.

Celtic Manor offers an abundance of other meeting spaces including its latest addition – The Newbridge on Usk, an idyllic, riverside country inn with six bedrooms – and leisure incentives include the spectacular Twenty Ten Course and the luxurious Forum Spa.

]]> The Celtic Manor Resort has been voted the UK’s Best Conference Hotel for the fifth year running by industry experts.

The five-star resort in South Wales topped the poll once again in Conference & Incentive Travel magazine’s prestigious Hot List Awards.

The Gold Award caps another momentous year for the venue which hosted such a memorable Ryder Cup in 2010. The venue beat off some strong competition for the prize with London’s Savoy Hotel taking the silver award and The Grove in Hertfordshire claiming bronze.

Celtic Manor had already in 2011 been named Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators; UK Sport Venue of the Year at the Sport Industry Awards; and Best UK Hotel at the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards.

With 400 bedrooms in two hotels, a large and versatile convention centre, three championship golf courses, five restaurants, a separate country inn, two luxurious spas and health clubs and a host of other leisure activities, The Celtic Manor Resort occupies a unique position in the marketplace.

Its recent succession of top awards has not prevented the resort from improving its conference facilities this year with new digital signage and a breakout lounge for lunch and refreshments.

The resort has also further enhanced its offering to corporate clients in 2011 with the opening of new treetop high ropes and adventure golf activities, which are ideal for team-building exercises.

Celtic Manor Chief Operating Officer Ian Edwards said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award, confirming our position as the best conference hotel in the UK.

“It is particularly satisfying that this comes as the result of a reader poll conducted with the industry experts, who are our clients. For them to vote for us to receive this award five years in a row is something we are very proud of.

“Having just celebrated the first anniversary of a Ryder Cup which many described as the greatest ever, it is very reassuring to know that we are still more than meeting the expectations of our customers and winning prestigious awards like this one.

“The award is a reflection not only of the excellent facilities at The Celtic Manor Resort but also the dedication to customer service of our entire staff.”

The resort’s convention centre – one of the largest hotel facilities of its kind in Europe – houses the Caernarfon Suite which can seat 1,500 delegates for a keynote lecture or 900 dining guests for a gala dinner. An additional 31 syndicate and meeting rooms with break-out areas can cater for every event from a small meeting around a table to large presentations for hundreds of people.

Celtic Manor offers an abundance of other meeting spaces including its latest addition – The Newbridge on Usk, an idyllic, riverside country inn with six bedrooms – and leisure incentives include the spectacular Twenty Ten Course and the luxurious Forum Spa.

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:10:26 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=16
Brendan Cole: Live at the Manor promises to be a wonderful evening packed full of sensational steps, mesmerising moves and toe-tapping tunes, as the acclaimed dancer brings all the sparkle of ballroom to South Wales.

The glittering stage show takes place in the magnificent Caernarfon Ballroom at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort following a sumptuous three-course dinner with wine. Special packages also offer the chance to meet the star of the show at a champagne and canapé reception beforehand, and to enjoy a night’s luxury stay after the show.

Cole became an instant viewers’ favourite when he won the opening series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering TV presenter Natasha Kaplinsky in 2004, and he has been an ever-present in every series of the iconic show.
Cole said: “The Celtic Manor Resort is a perfect venue to showcase the glitz and glamour of ballroom dancing.

“We’ve used a lot of creativity and drawn on our years of experience to present a show that gives the audience the chance to feel the passion and brilliance of dance at close quarters.

“There’s something for everyone from raunchy Latin numbers to the most beautiful, slow waltzes.”

The New Zealand-born dancer, who has developed a reputation as the ‘badboy of ballroom’, has toured the country with his Live and Unjudged show but Brendan Cole: Live at the Manor is a unique event.

Cole will be joined for the show by other world-class dancers, including his brother Scott, and a superb live band.

The premium Brendan Cole: Up Close and Personal package offers guests the chance to meet the star, guaranteed front row table seats and an overnight stay.
All tickets, which start from only £115, include a champagne reception on arrival, three-course dinner with wine, the spectacular live dance show and an after-show disco with late bar.

For tickets and more details about Brendan Cole: Live at the Manor please visit www.celtic-manor.com/Brendan-Cole-Live-At-The-Manor.aspx or contact the Special Events team on 01633 410318.

]]> Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole will strut his stuff at The Celtic Manor Resort when he presents a spectacular dance extravaganza on Saturday 18th February.

Brendan Cole: Live at the Manor promises to be a wonderful evening packed full of sensational steps, mesmerising moves and toe-tapping tunes, as the acclaimed dancer brings all the sparkle of ballroom to South Wales.

The glittering stage show takes place in the magnificent Caernarfon Ballroom at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort following a sumptuous three-course dinner with wine. Special packages also offer the chance to meet the star of the show at a champagne and canapé reception beforehand, and to enjoy a night’s luxury stay after the show.

Cole became an instant viewers’ favourite when he won the opening series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering TV presenter Natasha Kaplinsky in 2004, and he has been an ever-present in every series of the iconic show.
Cole said: “The Celtic Manor Resort is a perfect venue to showcase the glitz and glamour of ballroom dancing.

“We’ve used a lot of creativity and drawn on our years of experience to present a show that gives the audience the chance to feel the passion and brilliance of dance at close quarters.

“There’s something for everyone from raunchy Latin numbers to the most beautiful, slow waltzes.”

The New Zealand-born dancer, who has developed a reputation as the ‘badboy of ballroom’, has toured the country with his Live and Unjudged show but Brendan Cole: Live at the Manor is a unique event.

Cole will be joined for the show by other world-class dancers, including his brother Scott, and a superb live band.

The premium Brendan Cole: Up Close and Personal package offers guests the chance to meet the star, guaranteed front row table seats and an overnight stay.
All tickets, which start from only £115, include a champagne reception on arrival, three-course dinner with wine, the spectacular live dance show and an after-show disco with late bar.

For tickets and more details about Brendan Cole: Live at the Manor please visit www.celtic-manor.com/Brendan-Cole-Live-At-The-Manor.aspx or contact the Special Events team on 01633 410318.

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:05:53 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=17
The five-star resort in South Wales is putting on its first ever Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday 5th November with attractive packages to watch the brilliant display light up the sky with a bang before settling back for a night’s luxury accommodation.

As well as an explosive extravaganza of fireworks on the Celtic Manor grounds, the evening will be filled with live music, children’s funfair rides, a licensed bar and plenty of tasty winter warming treats, including a hog roast, hot dogs, burgers and home-made toffee apples.

The Families Fireworks Package allows two adults and two children to share a family room for £196, with breakfast, tickets to the fireworks display and complimentary use of the health club facilities included. Couples can enjoy the Fireworks Night Package from just £141 per room.

Alternatively tickets are available for non-residents priced £6.50 adults and £3.50 children under-14. Admission is free for children under-two.

Gates open at 6.00pm and the fireworks display begins at 7.30pm. For more information or to book, visit http://www.celtic-manor.com/Fireworks-Spectacular.aspx or call the Special Events team on 01633 410318.

]]> Fancy adding an extra bit of sparkle to your Bonfire Night celebrations this year? Then why not make a luxury family break of the occasion at Celtic Manor?

The five-star resort in South Wales is putting on its first ever Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday 5th November with attractive packages to watch the brilliant display light up the sky with a bang before settling back for a night’s luxury accommodation.

As well as an explosive extravaganza of fireworks on the Celtic Manor grounds, the evening will be filled with live music, children’s funfair rides, a licensed bar and plenty of tasty winter warming treats, including a hog roast, hot dogs, burgers and home-made toffee apples.

The Families Fireworks Package allows two adults and two children to share a family room for £196, with breakfast, tickets to the fireworks display and complimentary use of the health club facilities included. Couples can enjoy the Fireworks Night Package from just £141 per room.

Alternatively tickets are available for non-residents priced £6.50 adults and £3.50 children under-14. Admission is free for children under-two.

Gates open at 6.00pm and the fireworks display begins at 7.30pm. For more information or to book, visit http://www.celtic-manor.com/Fireworks-Spectacular.aspx or call the Special Events team on 01633 410318.

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:10:37 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=18
Hunt won the Under-18 boys’ best gross prize by an impressive eight shots as the other seven players in the field all failed to break 80 on the demanding championship layout.

The Gwent county golfer from the St Mellons club wins a year’s honorary junior membership to Celtic Manor’s prestigious Twenty Ten Club as his prize.

Hunt said: “It’s fantastic to win a big competition like this on such a prestigious golf course. Conditions were pretty much perfect with virtually no wind and I played nicely and managed to keep my good score going.

“It feels great to win the Principality Junior Wales Open because the whole tournament is really well staged and the course was in superb condition.”

Leading Welsh amateur golfer Amy Boulden signed off her junior career in style by regaining the girls’ title she won at Celtic Manor at the tender age of 14 in 2007.

The plus-three handicapper from the Maesdu club in Llandudno has already made great strides as a Great Britain & Ireland international but was delighted to win her last major junior event, carding a round of 75.

“I did not play my best but it’s great to finish my last junior event on a high,” said Boulden, the daughter of Maesdu club professional Simon Boulden.

“It’s fantastic to get the opportunity to play the Ryder Cup course here at Celtic Manor – I’d only ever played 10 holes on it before.”

Best nett score prizes went to Jessica Evans of Newport in the Under-18 age group and St Pierre’s Megan Smith in the Under-15s while Ridgeway’s Emily Swain was the Under-13 girls’ stableford winner with a score of 28 points.

Emily May Boyman, of the Nefyn & District club, won the best gross prize in the Under-15 girls age group with a round of 87 while the Under-13 section was won by Coed-y-Mwstwr’s Sounisa Bell with a score of 90.

The best nett score among the Under-18 boys was a 73 returned by 12-handicapper Luke Jennings from the Vicars Cross club in Chester. Joshua Davies, from Dewstow in Gwent, won the Under-15 boys best gross prize with a 77 while Kidderminster’s Andy Longmore scooped the best nett, also a 77.

Among the Under-13 boys, Tom Farrow-Smith from North Hants won the best gross with a round of 82, St Pierre’s Laurence Vargas took the stableford award with 32 points and Gower’s Hari Pachu returned the best nett score of 74.

Graeme Yorston, Chief Operating Officer at sponsor Principality Building Society, said: “We’ve had a fantastic day of competition and it was wonderful to see so many youngsters enjoying their golf and testing themselves against such a challenging golf course.

“We congratulate the winners on some fine scores and we thank everyone who played or supported or helped organise this event. This is the future of Welsh golf and it was very pleasing to see almost 300 juniors enter the qualifiers and 56 successful finalists here at Celtic Manor.”

All the prize winners in the various age groups won a golf bag supplied by Welsh golf company Asbri which also provided goodie bags for all competitors.

Winners

Boys: Under-18s: gross and overall champion: Toby Hunt (St Mellons) 72; nett: Luke Jennings (Vicars Cross) 85-12-73

Under-15s: gross: Joshua Davies (Dewstow) 77; nett: Andy Longmore (Kidderminster) 79-2-77

Under-13s: Div 1 gross: Tom Farrow-Smith (North Hants) 82; Div 1 nett: Hari Pachu (Gower) 84-10-74; Div 2 stableford: Laurence Vargas (St Pierre) 32pts; Div 2 stableford runner-up: Cameron Tye (Eaton) 28pts

Girls: Under-18s: gross: Amy Boulden (Llandudno Maesdu) 75; nett: Jessica Evans (Newport) 80-3-77

Under-15s: gross: Emily May Boyman (Nefyn & District) 87; nett: Megan Smith (St Pierre) 89-15-74

Under-13s Div 1 gross: Sounisa Bell (Coed-y-Mwstwr) 90; Div 2 stableford: Emily Swain (Ridgeway) 28pts; Div 2 stableford runner-up: Soraya Bell (Coed-y-Mwstwr) 26 pts

]]> Toby Hunt was crowned Principality Junior Wales Open champion after a sparkling round of one-over-par 72 on the demanding Twenty Ten Course, the stage for last year’s Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

Hunt won the Under-18 boys’ best gross prize by an impressive eight shots as the other seven players in the field all failed to break 80 on the demanding championship layout.

The Gwent county golfer from the St Mellons club wins a year’s honorary junior membership to Celtic Manor’s prestigious Twenty Ten Club as his prize.

Hunt said: “It’s fantastic to win a big competition like this on such a prestigious golf course. Conditions were pretty much perfect with virtually no wind and I played nicely and managed to keep my good score going.

“It feels great to win the Principality Junior Wales Open because the whole tournament is really well staged and the course was in superb condition.”

Leading Welsh amateur golfer Amy Boulden signed off her junior career in style by regaining the girls’ title she won at Celtic Manor at the tender age of 14 in 2007.

The plus-three handicapper from the Maesdu club in Llandudno has already made great strides as a Great Britain & Ireland international but was delighted to win her last major junior event, carding a round of 75.

“I did not play my best but it’s great to finish my last junior event on a high,” said Boulden, the daughter of Maesdu club professional Simon Boulden.

“It’s fantastic to get the opportunity to play the Ryder Cup course here at Celtic Manor – I’d only ever played 10 holes on it before.”

Best nett score prizes went to Jessica Evans of Newport in the Under-18 age group and St Pierre’s Megan Smith in the Under-15s while Ridgeway’s Emily Swain was the Under-13 girls’ stableford winner with a score of 28 points.

Emily May Boyman, of the Nefyn & District club, won the best gross prize in the Under-15 girls age group with a round of 87 while the Under-13 section was won by Coed-y-Mwstwr’s Sounisa Bell with a score of 90.

The best nett score among the Under-18 boys was a 73 returned by 12-handicapper Luke Jennings from the Vicars Cross club in Chester. Joshua Davies, from Dewstow in Gwent, won the Under-15 boys best gross prize with a 77 while Kidderminster’s Andy Longmore scooped the best nett, also a 77.

Among the Under-13 boys, Tom Farrow-Smith from North Hants won the best gross with a round of 82, St Pierre’s Laurence Vargas took the stableford award with 32 points and Gower’s Hari Pachu returned the best nett score of 74.

Graeme Yorston, Chief Operating Officer at sponsor Principality Building Society, said: “We’ve had a fantastic day of competition and it was wonderful to see so many youngsters enjoying their golf and testing themselves against such a challenging golf course.

“We congratulate the winners on some fine scores and we thank everyone who played or supported or helped organise this event. This is the future of Welsh golf and it was very pleasing to see almost 300 juniors enter the qualifiers and 56 successful finalists here at Celtic Manor.”

All the prize winners in the various age groups won a golf bag supplied by Welsh golf company Asbri which also provided goodie bags for all competitors.

Winners

Boys: Under-18s: gross and overall champion: Toby Hunt (St Mellons) 72; nett: Luke Jennings (Vicars Cross) 85-12-73

Under-15s: gross: Joshua Davies (Dewstow) 77; nett: Andy Longmore (Kidderminster) 79-2-77

Under-13s: Div 1 gross: Tom Farrow-Smith (North Hants) 82; Div 1 nett: Hari Pachu (Gower) 84-10-74; Div 2 stableford: Laurence Vargas (St Pierre) 32pts; Div 2 stableford runner-up: Cameron Tye (Eaton) 28pts

Girls: Under-18s: gross: Amy Boulden (Llandudno Maesdu) 75; nett: Jessica Evans (Newport) 80-3-77

Under-15s: gross: Emily May Boyman (Nefyn & District) 87; nett: Megan Smith (St Pierre) 89-15-74

Under-13s Div 1 gross: Sounisa Bell (Coed-y-Mwstwr) 90; Div 2 stableford: Emily Swain (Ridgeway) 28pts; Div 2 stableford runner-up: Soraya Bell (Coed-y-Mwstwr) 26 pts

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:53:40 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=19
If you’re a family with a taste for adventure, do you think you have what it takes to compete in Wales’ Ultimate Family Challenge at Celtic Manor? Families will be tested on their bravery, skill and communication on the resort’s exciting new Forest Jump course.

Located in woodland next to the main Resort Hotel, this adventure activity features both high and low ropes courses, bridges, walkways and challenging obstacles made from wood, rope and wire in the treetops. A special course will be laid out for the challenge.

Families throughout Wales are invited to bid for the title by first submitting an application, explaining why they think they should be crowned Wales’ Ultimate Family. Five families will then be chosen as finalists, winning an overnight stay at the resort on Saturday 24th September and competing in a number of Forest Jump challenges, testing their speed, accuracy and teamwork.

The winners will be crowned Wales’ Ultimate Family and will receive a two-night luxury stay in a two-bedroom suite at The Celtic Manor Resort, worth £2,000 in total and including up to £500 to spend on its amenities.

Matthew Lewis, Director of Golf and Leisure at The Celtic Manor Resort, said: “Forest Jump has been a really popular addition to our family offering since we opened the activity at the beginning of June.

“Its many challenges will provide a fantastic way of finding Wales’ Ultimate Family and we’re all looking forward to putting the country’s most adventurous families through their paces on the course. It’s going to be a lot of fun for those who reach the final challenge.”

Families must live in Wales or have at least one member of their team who is Welsh. Family teams will be made up of two adults and between 1 and 4 children from the same family. Adults need to be parents or guardians of the children taking part. Children must be aged 6-18 and be at least 3ft 11in (1.2m) tall.

If you think your family has what it takes to be crowned Wales’ Ultimate Family, and to read full Terms and Conditions, please click here

]]> Celtic Manor Resort, the world-class golf, leisure and business destination in Wales and host to the 2010 Ryder Cup, is searching for Wales’ Ultimate Family.

If you’re a family with a taste for adventure, do you think you have what it takes to compete in Wales’ Ultimate Family Challenge at Celtic Manor? Families will be tested on their bravery, skill and communication on the resort’s exciting new Forest Jump course.

Located in woodland next to the main Resort Hotel, this adventure activity features both high and low ropes courses, bridges, walkways and challenging obstacles made from wood, rope and wire in the treetops. A special course will be laid out for the challenge.

Families throughout Wales are invited to bid for the title by first submitting an application, explaining why they think they should be crowned Wales’ Ultimate Family. Five families will then be chosen as finalists, winning an overnight stay at the resort on Saturday 24th September and competing in a number of Forest Jump challenges, testing their speed, accuracy and teamwork.

The winners will be crowned Wales’ Ultimate Family and will receive a two-night luxury stay in a two-bedroom suite at The Celtic Manor Resort, worth £2,000 in total and including up to £500 to spend on its amenities.

Matthew Lewis, Director of Golf and Leisure at The Celtic Manor Resort, said: “Forest Jump has been a really popular addition to our family offering since we opened the activity at the beginning of June.

“Its many challenges will provide a fantastic way of finding Wales’ Ultimate Family and we’re all looking forward to putting the country’s most adventurous families through their paces on the course. It’s going to be a lot of fun for those who reach the final challenge.”

Families must live in Wales or have at least one member of their team who is Welsh. Family teams will be made up of two adults and between 1 and 4 children from the same family. Adults need to be parents or guardians of the children taking part. Children must be aged 6-18 and be at least 3ft 11in (1.2m) tall.

If you think your family has what it takes to be crowned Wales’ Ultimate Family, and to read full Terms and Conditions, please click here

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:55:47 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=20
Reliving Monty’s Magic Monday, players will have the chance to represent Team Europe or Team USA, soaking up the Ryder Cup atmosphere with breakfast in their allocated team rooms and changing at the same lockers as the world’s best players before taking on the spectacular challenge of the Twenty Ten Course.

On the one-year anniversary of what many have hailed the most exciting Ryder Cup of all-time, participants will play to the exact same pin positions which confronted Graeme McDowell and the rest of Europe’s heroes during their nail-biting, one-point triumph on the final day.

The Ryder Cup Anniversary Challenge will be played as a fourball betterball competition under a shotgun start with players able to keep in touch with the overall match scoreboard throughout the day via live scoring.

At the conclusion of play, the winning team will be announced and champagne will flow on the balcony of the Twenty Ten Clubhouse, just as it did when Captain Colin Montgomerie and his delighted team celebrated in front of their ecstatic fans a year before.

Players will also enjoy a three-course dinner in the Samuel Ryder Suite to round off a memorable day. For an entry fee of £245, players will all receive:

- 18 holes on Twenty Ten Course with live scoring
- Breakfast upon arrival in allocated team room
- Commemorative team shirt, sweater and hat
- Champagne reception on balcony of Twenty Ten Clubhouse
- Three-course celebration dinner in Samuel Ryder Suite

Those wishing to stay at Celtic Manor’s five-star Resort Hotel on the eve of the Challenge can do so from just £53.

“The Ryder Cup Anniversary Challenge offers an exclusive opportunity for amateur golfers to experience the atmosphere of golf’s most celebrated team competition,” says Dylan Matthews, Chief Executive of Celtic Manor.

“Test your golfing mettle and enjoy the camaraderie, pomp, pressure and elation unique to the Ryder Cup.”

For more information click here

]]> The Celtic Manor Resort is inviting golfers to come back and celebrate the first anniversary of Europe’s dramatic victory in The 2010 Ryder Cup by playing in a special challenge match on Monday 3rd October.

Reliving Monty’s Magic Monday, players will have the chance to represent Team Europe or Team USA, soaking up the Ryder Cup atmosphere with breakfast in their allocated team rooms and changing at the same lockers as the world’s best players before taking on the spectacular challenge of the Twenty Ten Course.

On the one-year anniversary of what many have hailed the most exciting Ryder Cup of all-time, participants will play to the exact same pin positions which confronted Graeme McDowell and the rest of Europe’s heroes during their nail-biting, one-point triumph on the final day.

The Ryder Cup Anniversary Challenge will be played as a fourball betterball competition under a shotgun start with players able to keep in touch with the overall match scoreboard throughout the day via live scoring.

At the conclusion of play, the winning team will be announced and champagne will flow on the balcony of the Twenty Ten Clubhouse, just as it did when Captain Colin Montgomerie and his delighted team celebrated in front of their ecstatic fans a year before.

Players will also enjoy a three-course dinner in the Samuel Ryder Suite to round off a memorable day. For an entry fee of £245, players will all receive:

- 18 holes on Twenty Ten Course with live scoring
- Breakfast upon arrival in allocated team room
- Commemorative team shirt, sweater and hat
- Champagne reception on balcony of Twenty Ten Clubhouse
- Three-course celebration dinner in Samuel Ryder Suite

Those wishing to stay at Celtic Manor’s five-star Resort Hotel on the eve of the Challenge can do so from just £53.

“The Ryder Cup Anniversary Challenge offers an exclusive opportunity for amateur golfers to experience the atmosphere of golf’s most celebrated team competition,” says Dylan Matthews, Chief Executive of Celtic Manor.

“Test your golfing mettle and enjoy the camaraderie, pomp, pressure and elation unique to the Ryder Cup.”

For more information click here

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:17:06 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=21
More than £500,000 has been invested in building a new Forest Jump treetop high ropes course and an Adventure Golf putting challenge at the five-star resort in South Wales.

Forest Jump is an exciting new development set to bring out the daredevil in visitors with a series of exhilarating climbs, swings and leaps, culminating in a breathtaking, power-fan freefall descent.

A high ropes course takes guests 12 metres up into the woodland adjacent to Celtic Manor’s main Resort Hotel, while a low ropes course allows children as young as six to enjoy the adventure, too.

Youngsters are also making swings of a different kind on the new Adventure Golf course which challenges players of all ages and abilities to putt their ball through, around and over various obstacles in search of that elusive hole in one.

Famed for hosting last year’s dramatic Ryder Cup, Celtic Manor now offers everyone the chance to play golf in miniature with fun challenges on the Celtic Challenge course including an Iona Cross, a dragon’s lair and rafts to sail between holes.

An additional nine holes are based on famous holes in world golf so, from seasoned players to toddlers taking their first steps in the game, Adventure Golf offers another fantastic way to bring the family together at Celtic Manor.

Resort Chief Executive Dylan Matthews said: “While golf and the Ryder Cup has grabbed the headlines, the resort has enjoyed record years for family and leisure bookings in 2009 and 2010.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on our family-friendly facilities and these two new adventure activities will certainly add considerably to what we can offer to all of our leisure guests.”

A packed family itinerary at Celtic Manor already includes a host of activities from face painting to fishing and from bushcraft and falconry to mountain biking and tennis. Youngsters can discover the woodland with Flora the Forest Ranger, enjoy treasure-hunting fun with Pirate Jac and blast off into space activities with Cosmo the Space Ranger.

With three championship golf courses, two luxury spas and a choice of six restaurants, there is also plenty to keep the adults amused at the resort which is situated just two hours from London by road or rail.

Attractive packages to stay at Celtic Manor and explore all the resort activities include the “Summer Rocks!” deal which has rooms starting from £89 per night for a family of four, including breakfast.*

You do not have to be a resident at the hotel to experience Forest Jump or Adventure Golf as both activities are also available to the public.

For more information or to book, visit celtic-manor.com or call Reservations on 01633 410262.



]]> Families have even more reason to book a summer break at The Celtic Manor Resort following the opening of two new adventure activities in time for the school holidays.

More than £500,000 has been invested in building a new Forest Jump treetop high ropes course and an Adventure Golf putting challenge at the five-star resort in South Wales.

Forest Jump is an exciting new development set to bring out the daredevil in visitors with a series of exhilarating climbs, swings and leaps, culminating in a breathtaking, power-fan freefall descent.

A high ropes course takes guests 12 metres up into the woodland adjacent to Celtic Manor’s main Resort Hotel, while a low ropes course allows children as young as six to enjoy the adventure, too.

Youngsters are also making swings of a different kind on the new Adventure Golf course which challenges players of all ages and abilities to putt their ball through, around and over various obstacles in search of that elusive hole in one.

Famed for hosting last year’s dramatic Ryder Cup, Celtic Manor now offers everyone the chance to play golf in miniature with fun challenges on the Celtic Challenge course including an Iona Cross, a dragon’s lair and rafts to sail between holes.

An additional nine holes are based on famous holes in world golf so, from seasoned players to toddlers taking their first steps in the game, Adventure Golf offers another fantastic way to bring the family together at Celtic Manor.

Resort Chief Executive Dylan Matthews said: “While golf and the Ryder Cup has grabbed the headlines, the resort has enjoyed record years for family and leisure bookings in 2009 and 2010.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on our family-friendly facilities and these two new adventure activities will certainly add considerably to what we can offer to all of our leisure guests.”

A packed family itinerary at Celtic Manor already includes a host of activities from face painting to fishing and from bushcraft and falconry to mountain biking and tennis. Youngsters can discover the woodland with Flora the Forest Ranger, enjoy treasure-hunting fun with Pirate Jac and blast off into space activities with Cosmo the Space Ranger.

With three championship golf courses, two luxury spas and a choice of six restaurants, there is also plenty to keep the adults amused at the resort which is situated just two hours from London by road or rail.

Attractive packages to stay at Celtic Manor and explore all the resort activities include the “Summer Rocks!” deal which has rooms starting from £89 per night for a family of four, including breakfast.*

You do not have to be a resident at the hotel to experience Forest Jump or Adventure Golf as both activities are also available to the public.

For more information or to book, visit celtic-manor.com or call Reservations on 01633 410262.



Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:13:44 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=22
Around 1,000 hospitality guests at Elemis Polo at the Manor quenched their thirst in the soaring temperatures with Pimm’s and champagne before enjoying a three-course lunch in a huge marquee and adjoining private pods.

A similar number of spectators lined the other three sides of the polo field to watch two exhibition matches at the inaugural polo event at Celtic Manor on Saturday 2nd July.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole, Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury and Welsh rugby legend Gareth Edwards were among the celebrities lapping up the sun-drenched hospitality.

On the specially-constructed polo field, England players Malcolm Borwick and Tom Morley lined up on different sides in the main match and, following a fast start from Cirencester Park, it was Morley’s Celtic Manor team which prevailed 7-6 after four chukkas.

Dylan Matthews, Chief Executive of The Celtic Manor Resort, said: “We’re delighted that the first Elemis Polo at the Manor has been a sell-out success and look forward to making this event a fixture on the Welsh sporting calendar.

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather and it really contributed to a wonderful day out. Many of our guests were seeing polo for the first time and I’m sure they’ll be keen to watch more polo after this.”

As well as watching top-class polo in the day's headline match, guests also participated in the traditional half-time polo custom of ‘treading the divots’ between matches.

With ladies showing off their finest summer frocks and gents looking their most dapper, a best-dressed competition sponsored by John Lewis was won by Lucy Brimble and Jason Vigliotta.

A charity raffle raised funds for Welsh children’s charity Latch and £6,000 was raised by one auction lot offering a luxury holiday to Dubai.

A fun family day out also included a Polo Village with Champagne and Pimm’s bars, a Kids Zone and the chance to sample spa treatments from title sponsor Elemis, Britain’s leading spa and skincare brand.

]]> The first-ever polo event at The Celtic Manor Resort was a sell-out success as more than 2,000 people enjoyed a glamorous afternoon of sport in the sunshine.

Around 1,000 hospitality guests at Elemis Polo at the Manor quenched their thirst in the soaring temperatures with Pimm’s and champagne before enjoying a three-course lunch in a huge marquee and adjoining private pods.

A similar number of spectators lined the other three sides of the polo field to watch two exhibition matches at the inaugural polo event at Celtic Manor on Saturday 2nd July.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole, Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury and Welsh rugby legend Gareth Edwards were among the celebrities lapping up the sun-drenched hospitality.

On the specially-constructed polo field, England players Malcolm Borwick and Tom Morley lined up on different sides in the main match and, following a fast start from Cirencester Park, it was Morley’s Celtic Manor team which prevailed 7-6 after four chukkas.

Dylan Matthews, Chief Executive of The Celtic Manor Resort, said: “We’re delighted that the first Elemis Polo at the Manor has been a sell-out success and look forward to making this event a fixture on the Welsh sporting calendar.

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather and it really contributed to a wonderful day out. Many of our guests were seeing polo for the first time and I’m sure they’ll be keen to watch more polo after this.”

As well as watching top-class polo in the day's headline match, guests also participated in the traditional half-time polo custom of ‘treading the divots’ between matches.

With ladies showing off their finest summer frocks and gents looking their most dapper, a best-dressed competition sponsored by John Lewis was won by Lucy Brimble and Jason Vigliotta.

A charity raffle raised funds for Welsh children’s charity Latch and £6,000 was raised by one auction lot offering a luxury holiday to Dubai.

A fun family day out also included a Polo Village with Champagne and Pimm’s bars, a Kids Zone and the chance to sample spa treatments from title sponsor Elemis, Britain’s leading spa and skincare brand.

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:39:20 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=23
There are only a limited number of spectator tickets available for Elemis Polo at the Manor on Saturday 2nd July with all 1,000 hospitality packages completely sold out.

As well as hospitality sales exceeding expectations, the event has also attracted additional sponsorship from official sponsors City Index, one of the world leaders in spread betting and CFD trading, and Champagne Besserat de Bellefon, which will be supplying the all-important bubbly for what is billed as the social event of the season.

UK audiences for polo have grown by a third over the past two years and Dylan Matthews, Chief Executive of The Celtic Manor Resort, is anticipating this latest attraction on the venue’s exciting events calendar will be a huge success.

He said: “We’re extremely excited about the first-ever Elemis Polo at the Manor on Saturday. Ticket sales have been excellent so far and we are delighted by the response to this new venture for The Celtic Manor Resort.”

As well as watching top-class polo in the day's headline match, which features England internationals Malcolm Borwick and Tom Morley, guests will be able to participate in traditional polo customs such as the half-time ‘treading the divots,’ where the public are invited into the playing arena.

Saturday’s entertaining schedule also includes a junior development match, a best-dressed competition sponsored by John Lewis, live music from Aubrey Parsons and a variety of fundraising opportunities to support Latch, the official charity.

A fun family day out also includes a Polo Village with Champagne and Pimm’s bars, a Kids Zone and the chance to sample spa treatments from title sponsor Elemis, Britain’s leading spa and skincare brand.

Spectator tickets, priced £15 adults, £10 seniors and £5 children, are available to purchase on the gate. For more information about Elemis Polo at the Manor go to www.poloatthemanor.co.uk

]]> Tickets for this weekend’s polo contest at The Celtic Manor Resort are rapidly selling out as the world famous Welsh venue prepares to open its gates to the ‘Sport of Kings’ for the first time.

There are only a limited number of spectator tickets available for Elemis Polo at the Manor on Saturday 2nd July with all 1,000 hospitality packages completely sold out.

As well as hospitality sales exceeding expectations, the event has also attracted additional sponsorship from official sponsors City Index, one of the world leaders in spread betting and CFD trading, and Champagne Besserat de Bellefon, which will be supplying the all-important bubbly for what is billed as the social event of the season.

UK audiences for polo have grown by a third over the past two years and Dylan Matthews, Chief Executive of The Celtic Manor Resort, is anticipating this latest attraction on the venue’s exciting events calendar will be a huge success.

He said: “We’re extremely excited about the first-ever Elemis Polo at the Manor on Saturday. Ticket sales have been excellent so far and we are delighted by the response to this new venture for The Celtic Manor Resort.”

As well as watching top-class polo in the day's headline match, which features England internationals Malcolm Borwick and Tom Morley, guests will be able to participate in traditional polo customs such as the half-time ‘treading the divots,’ where the public are invited into the playing arena.

Saturday’s entertaining schedule also includes a junior development match, a best-dressed competition sponsored by John Lewis, live music from Aubrey Parsons and a variety of fundraising opportunities to support Latch, the official charity.

A fun family day out also includes a Polo Village with Champagne and Pimm’s bars, a Kids Zone and the chance to sample spa treatments from title sponsor Elemis, Britain’s leading spa and skincare brand.

Spectator tickets, priced £15 adults, £10 seniors and £5 children, are available to purchase on the gate. For more information about Elemis Polo at the Manor go to www.poloatthemanor.co.uk

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:38:56 +01:00 http://www.celtic-manor.com/viewNews.aspx?ni=24