More than nine years ago, in a hotel conference room in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Sir Terry Matthews was one very excited man. That day the serial entrepreneur with a Midas touch used the forum of his Canadian resort hotel and golf club – Brookstreet Resort and The Marshes Golf Course, to talk about his recent success in having his burgeoning Celtic Manor Resort in Wales named as the host facility for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

As far off as it was at the time Matthews knew EXACTLY what it would mean for himself and his native country. That’s because Matthews had been working on his Ryder Cup plan for nearly three decades.

Matthews, who was born in a farmhouse on the property his world-class Welsh resort now occupies, knew that to bring profile to any business project in diminutive Newport, Wales it would take a grand event. He also was keenly aware that the Olympics or a World Cup (soccer (football)) was certainly out of the question. Instead he focused on what was becoming one of the biggest sporting competitions in the world, The Ryder Cup.

With the plan to bring the Ryder Cup to his hometown he began the process of acquiring the land, building the resort and infrastructure, and bringing golf to life on a landscape ideally suited to the pursuit. By his side he had famed golf course designer Robert Trent Jones,Sr., and eventually his son Robert Trent Jones II, as talented and willing early collaborators. Subsequently the team from European Golf Design was brought in to create nine holes expressly for the purposes of the Ryder Cup, with Jones, II. still being consulted.

The elder Jones and Matthews had been introduced in Florida back in 1980 and formed a lasting friendship that would eventually lead to the development of Celtic Manor Resort and the Brookstreet Resort near Matthews’ Canadian home base. It was Jones who told Matthews what a great setting the Usk Valley would be for golf, sparking what would become a Welsh landmark.

This week, many, many millions of dollars later, the stage is set for the culmination of the nearly 30 year-old dream that should have a lasting impact on on Wales – across many sectors.

Matthews expects that the 50,000 people who will make their way to Celtic Manor in the next few days are the same people who will return again and again to enjoy the fine lodgings at Celtic Manor and play its 3 golf courses, including the Twenty Ten Course modified and shaped specifically for Ryder Cup action.

Some might call it one of the world’s most elaborate marketing campaigns but when the world catches site of Celtic Manor this week with the play of two competitive sides set against it, it should all make sense.

While the players and captains of this year’s respective United States and European Ryder Cup teams will likely not have thought about the event being played in Wales for as long as Sir Terry Matthews, their anticipation will likely be equal as they prepare for what are always matches that are historic in nature.

I’ll pass on the predictions on the outcome of the matches, although you can see some GolfWRX.com coverage on the topic by JB Audi here: http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/412955-ryder-cup-preview-and-predicitons/ , but for those unfamiliar with the Twenty Ten course layout (which most are) let’s take a look at some key holes. The canvas that these matches will be played on, especially with a set-up that is expected to vary daily, will undeniably be a factor in the results.

The Twenty Ten Course is unlike any other ever used to host the biennial battle for Samuel Ryder’s donated trophy. No other Ryder Cup venue was molded with the needs of players, spectators, and media in mind. At the same time its flexibility is perfectly suited to golf matches of the highest level.

Designed to be spectator friendly The Twenty Ten course presents many challenges to the golfer. Depending on the set-up varying lines of play could offer great rewards if successfully traversed. At the same time, those up to those challenges may suffer greatly in the form of lost holes.

Set on the floor of the Usk Valley with the Usk River flowing throughout, the Twenty Ten Course has nine holes plagued by water. At just under 7500 yards and playing to a par of 71, it has transformed immeasurably from its beginnings as the Wentwood Hills Course.

No hole can be more critical in a Ryder Cup then the very first. With hands shaking an early lead can set the tone for a match.

Hole #1 serves up a 465-yard par four that doglegs hard to the left. Nervous players will be sure to try and avoid the grouping of bunkers on the inside of the dogleg to ease their way into their first approach shot of the day. This is no easy warm-up hole and could instill either confidence or fear that may last the entirety of the day.

At 610 yards from the very back deck hole #2 is unlikely to be played at full length every day during the matches to afford some scoring opportunities. Even shortening the hole will not guarantee that it will be successfully reached in two as the green complex boasts ample movement in the surface, repelling less than perfect shots.

The 5^th hole is one of the shorter par fours on the front side but it is speckled with danger courtesy of thick rough and water crossing in front of the green. Players will have to have keen focus on hitting this fairway in order to control their shots into the green.

The hole to follow will really test the early nerves with water playing down the whole of the right side. Don’t be surprised to see a player visit the drink here on their approach if the hole location is tucked to the right.

#9 will be a “go hole” for just about every player with the forward tee being put into play, making this par five that shortens in from a monstrous 666 yards to a more reasonable 580. Birdies will be a must with eagles fairly common through the 3 days of play.

As much as #9 will serve up under par scores, the 11^th will be an even easier touch. The downhill par five of just 562 yards is protected by water on the left but routinely gives up eagles to the pros when the Celtic Manor Wales Open is played. This could be where a lot of matches swing.

That too, can be said of the 15^th hole, likely the most dramatic test on the course and certainly the one that should generate the most banter. If matches reach this juncture expect to see some fireworks. Even European Captain Colin Montgomerie says the fairway is virtually obsolete as most players will avoid the circuitous route of 377 yards and take a more aggressive route across the dogleg, directly to the putting surface. Shots remembered for ages will be struck here this week.

Lastly, the course closes out with a par five which will also be shortened for the week. This will present the chance to finish up with a long drive and the task of reaching the green in two by way of an approach that must carry a pond at the front of the green. As evenly matched as the teams appear, we could see more than a few matches reach a conclusion here.

Thirty years of foresight and eight years of specific course work just for the Ryder Cup have now concluded and the set is ready for the biggest golf drama in Welsh history to play out.

It’s sure to be a compelling one.

This feature provided to GolfWRX.com by Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)