Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Ltd is teaming up with the Sports Council for Wales to help propel the nation’s future champions to the top.

For the fifth year running Ryder Cup Wales, as a result of Wales staging The 2010 Ryder Cup, has been able to secure invitations from the Challenge Tour to offer to up and coming Welsh golfers to play in events across the world.

Golf professionals across Wales are now being invited to apply for invitations to play on the 2008 Challenge Tour for assessment by Ryder Cup Wales in conjunction with the Sports Council for Wales. A panel, which includes representatives from the Golf Union of Wales, will assist Ryder Cup Wales in assessing the eligibility of those golfers hoping to take advantage of the invites.

The Sports Council for Wales currently supports twelve rising golf stars through lottery funding – providing sports science support, medical back-up, career and education advice, coaching, financial help and access to first-class training facilities.

A number of high profile competitors like Stephen Dodd, Bradley Dredge and Solheim Cup player Becky Brewerton have already benefited from the support that has helped them to reach the highest levels.

John Jermine, Chairman of Ryder Cup Wales, said, “As part of our bid to host The 2010 Ryder Cup and our commitments to a Challenge Tour event each year until 2010, we were able to negotiate playing opportunities for young Welsh professional golfers to play in Challenge Tour events throughout Europe. This announcement is yet another example of how Ryder Cup Wales is working in partnership with the Sports Council for Wales to maximise the golfing legacy of bringing this prestigious event to Wales.”

In 2007 six Welsh professionals shared 24 invites and were able to play in 12 tournaments across Europe gaining invaluable experience of international competition. In addition, we gave away 20 spots to Welsh players (including amateurs) in the FIRSTPLUS Wales Challenge event in July.

Philip Carling, Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, explains, “Through this association with Ryder Cup Wales, the Sports Council for Wales will further help talented golfers in Wales as we export our best talents to all parts of the globe to compete in Challenge Tour events. The hope is that they will gain the experience necessary to achieve PGA European Tour status in their own right.”

Players interested in applying for Challenge Tour invites are required to submit an expression of interest with a current CV to Ryder Cup Wales before Tuesday, 27th November 2007 to:

Amy Watkins
Event Manager
Ryder Cup Wales
1st Floor, 2 Fitzalan Road
Cardiff
CF24 0UY

Email - amy.watkins@rydercupwales2010.com
Tel - 029 2047 5426

Many congratulations to Lydia Hall on her very successful LET Qualifying school result.

Lydia came second overall to Dana Lacey of Australia at the four day final qualifying at Le Fonti Golf Club in Italy, posting a total of 12 under to Dana's 13 under.

Coach by John Peter of Machynys Peninsular GC, Lydia now joins Becky Brewerton and Elaeanor Pilgrim on the LET Tour for 2008 and everyone at Golf Development Wales wishes her the very best for next season.

The Sports Council for Wales and sportscoachUK have produced a 3-hour workshop entitled, Safeguarding & Protecting Children.
Protect yourself, the young people you are coaching and your club by understanding and following good practice. Learn about child abuse and how to handle situations if you have concerns.
A list of new dates is now available for the end of 2007 and start of 2008.
Click here for details.

On Sunday, 30th September 2007 at Dewstow Golf Club, thirty-four of the top juniors in Gwent (including 3 girls) took part in a Pro-Am with ten of the local professionals and 1st team county players.
A fantastic effort from the pros and county players in supporting the youngsters and inspiring them to greater ambitions.

The professionals and county players involved included; Jonathan Davidson (Llanwern), Neil Matthews (Pontypool), Adam Lee (St. Mellons), Paul Collins (St. Pierre), Steve Price (Llanwern), Tom Benjamin (St. Mellons), Rhys Barber (Newport), Joanne Pritchard (Pontypool), Neil Povall (Newport) and Brian Lee (Pontypool).
Caddies for the professionals / county players were provided by Dewstow Seedlings (under 12) section whose help was greatly appreciated.

The winning team were Neil Povall (Newport), Alex Kerr (Dewstow), Richard Bentham (Celtic Manor) and Rhys West (Alice Springs). See photo attached (L-R – Ray Hughes (starter), Tom Cresswell (caddy), Neil Povall, Rhys West, Alex Kerr, Richard Bentham)

The individual competition for juniors saw the home club taking six of the top ten places over the tricky Valley course, with Alex Kerr beating last years winner Rhys Briscoe on countback.

Masters and Ryder Cup legend, Ian Woosnam, is offering a once in a lifetime chance for one lucky individual to caddy for him on the Par 3 course at The 2008 Masters in Augusta.
Ian Woosnam, Ambassador for Welsh golf, is donating this fantastic opportunity in support of Welsh cancer charity Tenovus, the official charity to Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Ltd, which will be auctioned off next month to the highest bidder at the Ryder Cup Wales Annual Gala and Awards Dinner on Thursday, 25th October.

Claudia McVie, Chief Executive of Tenovus, is delighted that the money raised as a result of the auction, together with various other fundraising activities, will have lasting effects for the people of Wales. “As Wales’ leading cancer charity, the people of Wales will benefit from the funds that we are able to raise through our partnership with Ryder Cup Wales with further research being done and money invested in after care for patients. I would like to thank Ian Woosnam for donating this fantastic prize.”

If you are interested in bidding for this exclusive prize and would like further details on how to register your bid, please contact Cath Morgan at Tenovus on tel: 07740 486672.