Celtic Rivalries for Ryder Cup

Wentwood Hills at Celtic Manor, where the Welsh Open on the European Tour will be played next June, is not the only 'celtic' course in contention to stage the 2009 Ryder Cup match.

Following the completion of a £100 million expansion programme, computer tycoon Terry Matthews is confident that he will be invited to stage the contest in Wales for the first time at his 1,400-acre resort which includes a 400-room hotel, a 1,500-delegate conference facility and three Trent Jones championship courses.

But he appears likely to face some stiff competition from the Home of Golf. In all probability, Scotland's bid will be hosted by one of three St Andrews venues - the Old Course, the Duke's and the new layout at Kingsbarns.

Rhona Brankin, the deputy sports minister of the Scottish Parliament, said: "It would be great to bring such a huge sporting event to Scotland. I will be meeting soon with the Scottish Tourist Board and SportScotland to discuss the subject."