The helicopter and trophy at Carmarthen Golf Club

A whistle-stop helicopter tour of the Ryder Cup trophy to over 100 Welsh golf clubs culminated in its arrival at the Celtic Manor Resort on the final day of the recent Wales Open. Met by Sir Terry Matthews and rugby legend Gareth Edwards, the arrival of the helicopter provided an interesting diversion from the battle on the course. The trophy was also present during the closing ceremony on the 18th green of the new Twenty Ten course.

The trip had been organised in order to spread the message about the Ryder Cup and about Tenovus, the official charity of Ryder Cup Wales 2010. PGA Captain Parnell Reilly accompanied the trophy to nearly every club throughout the Principality and was stunned at the reception. More than £5,000 was donated in loose change for Tenovus.

The helicopter, sponsored by SubAir, landed on the fairways of clubs such as Radyr, Brynhill, Southerndown and Pyle & Kenfig. Bad weather did cause a few problems but if the helicopter couldn't reach the clubs, the trophy was taken by car.

"This has been the best week I have ever had," said Parnell Reilly. "As Captain of the PGA I get to go to competitions like the Masters and The Open but this trip has been unbelievable. The welcome has been wonderful."

6:52pm Thursday 26th June 2008

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