Scott Strange discussing yardages with his caddy

As every golfing enthusiast knows this year's Celtic Manor Wales Open was played over the new Twenty Ten course, the layout that has been created specifically to host the 2010 Ryder Cup.

The course has also been built with spectators in mind and the steep hillside which rises above the three closing holes offers unparalleled viewing of not only the decisive action at the end of the round, but also over many more holes in the valley below.

Picturesque but penalising water hazards come into play on half of the holes and the course plays to a demanding par of 71.

From beginning to end the Wales Open was a sparkling affair, even though the weather tried hard to interfere with a fog delay on two of the days. Heavy rain might have destroyed the Wednesday Pro Am and reduced much of the tented village area to a sea of mud but, looking on the positive side, inclement weather has at least shown the organisers areas that need to be addressed for future events.

This was the most star-studded field yet in the Wales Open but, true to form for this championship, many of them fell at the first hurdle. Padraig Harrington, defending champion Richard Sterne and local favourite Bradley Dredge all missed the cut while Miguel Angle Jimenez withdrew with a knee injury - albeit after several double bogeys! Other stars like Colin Montgomerie, Niclas Fasth and Martin Kaymer all made it through to the final day.

The course and clubhouse were launched/opened by Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales, in the company of Sir Terry Matthews and George O'Grady (Chief Executive of the European Tour). The clubhouse, course and infrastructure cost in the region of £16 million pound to create and will undoubtedly be a flagship for Welsh golf for many years to come.

Australian rookie Scott Strange won the event. With four almost flawless rounds easing him clear of the field as a wire-to-wire winner. Former champion Robert Karlsson tried hard to catch him on the final day but his birdie barrage was not enough to get close to the undaunted Australian.

"This should put a smile of the face of a very special person," was the enigmatic comment of a delighted Scott Strange. "I wasn't feeling particularly well but I have played great golf and hope that this will set me up for the season. I was going to compete in the US Open qualifier but after this I think I will have a few beers tonight and enjoy myself instead."

Leading Welshman was Jamie Donaldson, finishing ahead of his colleagues Gary Houston, Phil Price and Kyron Sullivan.

6:58pm Thursday 26th June 2008

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