THE CELTIC MANOR RESORT
LEGEND SEVE THE LATEST WALES OPEN NAME

Golfing legend Seve Ballesteros is the latest leading player to confirm his appearance in The Wales Open this month. 

The European Tour confirmed today that the former Ryder Cup Captain and Open and US Masters Champion has entered the tournament to be held at The Celtic Manor Resort near Newport from June 8^th – 11^th. 

Jim McKenzie, the resort’s Director of Golf and Courses Management, said:  “It’s fantastic to have another one of golf’s great names taking part in the event.  He’s won the British Open three times and been an inspiration to two decades of golfers." 

“He’s playing in Wales before – when he won the Epson Grand Prix at St. Pierre in 1989.  The crowd really took to him and I am sure his appearance will attract even more spectators to The Wales Open.” 

Ballesteros, 43, has no fewer than 48 European Tour victories under his belt; the most notable being his Open wins in 1979, 1984 and 1988.  He won the Masters in 1980 and 1983 and is a veteran of 10 Ryder Cups, captaining Europe to their historic retention of the trophy in 1997. 

He joins a formidable line up at the Wales Open, including former US Masters Champion Ian Woosnam, 1999 Ryder Cup Captain Mark James, 2001 Ryder Cup captain sandy Lyle and a strong Welsh contingent led by Phil Price, currently ranked 6^th in Europe. 

Eight winners of the European Tour events since January have also confirmed they will compete for the £750,000 prize fund on The Celtic Manor Resort’s challenging 7,403 yard, par-72 Wentwood Hills course. 

Tickets for the Wales Open can be booked by telephoning 01782 741956.  The prices are: June 8^th and 9^th - £8 (adults), £4 (seniors), June 10^th and 11^th - £12 (adults), £6 (seniors), seasons - £25 (adult), £13 (seniors).  Children under 16 are free if accompanied by an adult.  Pro Am (June 7^th) – admission free. 

Hospitality packages can be booked by telephoning 01633 410243.  The Celtic manor Hospitality Package – exclusive suite in the golf clubhouse, with morning coffee and pastries, 3 course lunch with wine, afternoon tea and complimentary soft-drinks all day – is from £69.  The God Pavilion Package – overlooking Wentwood Hills 18^th green with morning coffee and pastries, pre lunch Pimms reception, gourmet 3 course lunch with wine, afternoon tea and complimentary bar – is from £169.  Prices are per person per day.  Both packages are subject to VAT and include parking, entry pass, programme, closed circuit tv and live scoring. 

Wentwood Hills is the newest of three courses at the Celtic Manor Resort.  In 1995, the resort opened the 6,685 yard, par 69 Roman Road, voted best inland course in Wales (1998).  The following year saw the opening of the 4,001 yard, par 59 Coldra Woods, a coldra Woods, a PGA short course championship venue.  All three lay outs were designed by Robert Trent Jones Ventures.

 The Celtic Manor has been developed by Welsh telecommunications entrepreneur Terry Matthews in 1400 acres of spectator countryside overlooking the Severn estuary and the Usk valley.  At £100m, it is the largest ever private investment in the British hotel industry.  The resort offers a 400 room, 32 suite luxury hotel, 1500 delegate convention centre, 40 function rooms, 4 restaurants, 2 outstanding health clubs and spa as well as exceptional golf practice, playing and hospitality facilities.