Billionaire Sir Terry Matthew’s Celtic Manor Resort in the Usk Valley in Wales has launched its £16m Twenty Ten golf course, the first in history built specifically for the Ryder Cup, which the resort will host in 2010.

The new 18-hole golf course, located in the Usk Valley, features nine brand new holes designed by European Golf Design, alongside nine existing holes that have been remodelled to match the new design.

Half the holes feature water hazards, and the course, which was built with spectators’ views in mind, has a par of 71, with options to extend the total yardage of 7,352 yards.

The new Twenty Ten clubhouse, designed in the style of a traditional gentleman’s club, has a lounge, oak-panelled locker rooms, a spike bar, pro shop and a restaurant called Rafters.

The course will see its first professional tournament this weekend as it hosts the Celtic Manor Wales Open until Sunday.

“We pledged to make the developments necessary to ensure we have the best facilities for hosting the Ryder Cup in 2010 and we’re proud of what we have achieved with the Twenty Ten,” said Matthews. “I’m sure the stars competing in the Celtic Manor Wales Open this week will enjoy the challenge and we look forward to welcoming many more golfers—both tour professionals and ordinary players—in the coming years.

“I think the resort can act as a magnet to draw new investment into Wales from across the UK and overseas,” he added.

“Everyone connected with the Celtic Manor Resort is rightly proud of this superb golf course and no-one more than Sir Terry Matthews who has been the visionary behind Wales’ Ryder Cup bid,” said George O’Grady, chief executive of the European Tour.

The course was officially opened this week by First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan.