MONDAY is the most hated day of the week. But Monday 4th October 2010 was a day that will live long in the memory – Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell’s 15-foot putt clinching Ryder Cup victory for Europe over America on the fourth day of play for the first time in history.
So when I was invited down to Celtic Manor – scene of that famous triumph – on a Monday, it wasn’t hard to say yes.
Celtic Manor is more than a golf club, situated just outside Newport, South Wales. It is a golf, spa and leisure resort that has the feel of a small town. There are three courses to play here, all with their own personalities.
The Twenty Ten course was purpose-built to host the 2010 Ryder Cup and you too can replay every hole on show that dramatic weekend.
Get ready in the same changing room as the stars – I had Steve Stricker’s locker – then tee off like a pro with a snap from the club photographer and do your best to avoid the numerous water hazards that come your way.
Destroy any hunger pains by grabbing a bite to eat at the Halfway House. Order just before the 10th tee (BBQ chicken panini and a Lucozade for me) and collect after you’ve taken on the par-3 challenge. Hit the green from 160 yards and earn a free round but fail, stump up £5 and endure mocking from the rest of your group.
The Twenty Ten finishes on its acclaimed 18th hole, from where you head back to the clubhouse proud (or embarrassed) to pick up your medal-sized engraved ball marker and commemorative framed photo to remember the day.
Locally known as ‘The Monty’, the weaving Montgomerie course was designed by legendary Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie. Easier than the Twenty Ten, but harder than Roman Road, prepare yourself for the fifth hole, which demands a narrow drive between two sets of tall trees described by Colin as ‘heart-stopping’. Arguably the best views on the resort are found here too.
The Roman Road course features plenty of track for buggies and is tough in winter conditions but picturesque during the summer. Probably the easiest course at Celtic Manor, lesser golfers will find this one more forgiving.
All that golf is sure to build up your appetite and this resort really delivers when it comes to grub.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day at and Celtic Manor that means plenty of wholesome meat. Locally sourced from surrounding farms, fuel up with a Welsh breakfast at the Twenty Ten clubhouse before emulating your heroes. The Grill also does a quality sausage, bacon and egg bap that certainly won’t leave you short.
Out on the courses take advantage of the Halfway House pit stops to ensure you never hit a ball hungry. And if rain stops play head for lunch at The Grill. Huge boards on the walls explain which cuts of meat comes from which part of the cow and exactly how you want it cooked. Fuel up with steak and a cheeseboard, or warm up with a club sandwich (complete with egg on top) and a hot chocolate. Whichever way you go, you’ll eat well at Celtic Manor.
After a long day trying to negotiate tricky fairways, dinner is a far easier task. The best spots to eat are at the main hotel and meat lovers will not want to miss Steak on Six.
Enjoy a cocktail and nibbles in the Signature Bar before you enter the restaurant through a door covered in fur.
Start with the Iberian ham – cut at your table – and have a bit of everything with the mixed grill main, a tasty combo of steak, lamb, lobster and chicken. And if you can find room finish with the key lime pie. Wash it down with plenty of red wine.
A very different option is Cen, on the ground level of the hotel. Opened in January, this pan-Asian restaurant is spearheaded by Masterchef finalist Larkin Cen.
To start go for the scallops and tackle the Peking Duck main (plenty to share between two) and wrap up with the chocolate desert. Gin and Tonics work well here.
Once you’ve had your fill of golf, food and drink, retire to your Hunter Lodge to relax and unwind.
There’s nothing better after a hard day’s hitting than to kick back in an outdoor hot tub, overlooking the course you’ve just taken on.
Especially when one of the lodges’ most recent guests was US president Barack Obama, who visited Celtic Manor for the 2014 NATO Conference.
I’m now claiming to have been in the same jacuzzi as the president – and like Obama you too should experience the thrills this Ryder Cup favourite has to offer.
Golfers’ Twenty Ten Escape at Celtic Manor starts from £297 per person.
Package includes; Two or three night stay in a luxurious self-catering Hunter Lodge, 18 holes of golf on The Twenty Ten course, 18 holes of golf on Roman Road course, 18 holes of golf on The Montgomerie course. Complimentary use of the resort’s two health clubs throughout your stay.
Click here to book and for more information
