Newport 2010
When visiting the 2010 Ryder Cup to be held at the Celtic Manor Newport you will also have a wealth of fascinating tradition and historical facts to see and experience, these are just a few with links supplied for further information
The Ryder cup and Wales
Born in Wales, Dia Rees is best remembered as the captain of the Great Britain team which defeated the United States to win the Ryder Cup at Lindrick Golf Club in Yorkshire, England in 1957. The score was a decisive 7.5-4.5. This was the only defeat which the U.S. suffered in the competition between 1933 and 1985, and the last achieved by Britain's golfers without the assistance of the rest of Europe, Rees played in nine Ryder Cups in total. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dai_Rees
Ian Woosnam (March 2, 1958) is a British golfer who represents Wales. is a native of the village of Llanymynech in Powys, Woosnam was a member of eight consecutive European Ryder Cup teams from 1983 to 1997. Despite not winning a singles match he accumulated an excellent overall record of 14 wins, 12 losses and 5 halves in 31 matches. He was a vice captain for the 2002 European team and was elected as captain for 2006, leading Europe to victory over the U.S. 181⁄2-91⁄2. at the K club in Ireland. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Woosnam
Celtic Manor owner Sir Terry Matthews has promised to "outdo" previous Ryder Cups when Wales stages the contest in 2010. Sir Terry, who was at Valhalla to watch Europe's five-point defeat, was impressed with what he saw but is determined to go one better when the biennial contest returns to European soil at his Celtic Manor resort on the outskirts of Newport in two years' time. "We will outdo it," Matthews said. "We have a major advantage because the course, the clubhouse and the environment and the logistics are very much in our favour." www.celtic-manor.com
Roman Occupation of Caerleon Newport
In AD 75 the first barracks were built at Caerleon (also named Isca). The site was chosen as it was about as far inland as the Roman ships could bring supplies.
Troops from Caerleon were posted to many parts of the country. Some were responsible for building sections of Hadrian's Wall. www.caerleon.net/history/army
The site of the 50-acre (20.3ha) Roman legionary fortress of Isca, the permanent base of the Second Augustan Legion in Britain from about A.D. 75. There are impressive remains of the fortress baths, amphitheatre, barracks, and fortress wall. Videos available at the fortress baths. OS map 171: ST 337906 www.archive.org/details/CaerleonRFI
Newport a Centre of the Industrial Revolution
The town of Newport was created after the Normans conquered Gwent in 1093. In the early 12th century they built a castle by a ford in the river Usk. Soon a little town grew up by the castle. In the Middle Ages towns often appeared by castles as the garrisons provided a ready market for the townspeople's goods. Soon a weekly market began in the town and people would come from the surrounding countryside to buy and sell.
Newport changed completely from the end of the 18th century with the arrival of the industrial revolution. The coal and iron industries in South Wales began to boom. Ever increasing amounts of coal and iron ore were exported through Newport.
Newport suffered severely in the depression of the 1930s and there was very high unemployment but its industries began to boom again when World War II began.
Newport was made a city in 2002. Today the population of Newport is 137,000. www.localhistories.org/Newport
Golf In and about Newport
In terms of golf courses, Wales has more 150 to choose from; some of which have hosted national and international championships. Most notable of these is St Pierre, host to the 1996 Solheim Cup. Celtic Manor, Newport, a golf hotel and country club, is set to become of the most prestigious conference centres in Wales, indeed has now been officially selected to stage the 2010 and the Rolls of Monmouth home of the famous Rolls family ( Rolls Royce) Should you wish Dunbar2010 to arrange golf either side of your visit to the Ryder Cup send a request to our office along with your rental choice.
