The Celtic Manor Resort is a unique golf and spa retreat located in Newport; South East Wales set in 2,000 acres of glorious parkland at the gateway to Wales. The Resort is vast, with three hotels, a country inn, luxury lodges, two spas, seven restaurants, numerous activities, two golf, and country clubhouses and of course three championship golf courses; The Roman Road, The Twenty Ten and The Montgomerie course.
Initially developed by Sir Terrence Matthews in the late 1970s, he bought a near derelict manor house and turned it into a small hotel. The hotel became very successful, and the long-term vision was to turn the hotel into a golfing complex. His vision has indeed been brought to fruition.
The very first of the Resort’s courses were the Roman Road course which opened in 1995. The main Roman East-West road crosses the golf course, and there were significant amounts of Roman archaeology preserved from the site, hence the name – the Roman Road Course. The course is 6,600 yards from the back tees and provides a beautiful golf experience in its surroundings. There are thousands of beautiful mature trees lining the course and fabulous views across Somerset and Devon. This is an American style course that will appeal to golfers of various abilities.
In July 2007, the first course to be built specifically for a Ryder Cup opened – The Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor. The course was the result of a collaboration between the European PGA, several golf course architects, and tour pros, to create a unique Ryder Cup venue. The course stands at 7,493 yards, Par 71 and features dramatic holes routed through the Usk valley as well as nine holes from the former Wentworth Hills course. If you are after a tough but rewarding challenge, then this course is perfect for you.
Designed by Ryder Cup legend, Colin Montgomerie, the Montgomerie Course opened in 2007. The 6,371yard, Par 69 course uses the opening and closing holes from the old Wentwood Hills course for its front nine, and the homeward nine has been created from land that once housed Celtic Manor’s old 18-hole Coldra Woods academy course. The course is an open-country parkland with dramatic elevated tee shots across the valleys and has some very challenging green approaches; an enjoyable track that should be played if staying for multiple days on the property.
This is a vast and unique golf resort that offers something for everyone. You can experience different courses, food, and activities all on one site and is well worth a stop off while golfing in Wales.
