Celtic Manor Resort, South Wales

The phrase 'resort golf' is not generally one which inspires delight in the eyes of connoisseurs who love the game. Courses which promise 'good tests for all abilities' in a 'scenic parkland setting' often turn out to be little more than glorified fields.

That is certainly not the case as far as the Celtic Manor resort is concerned.rnrnSituated on the outskirts of Newport, the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup oozes class - from the five-star hotel to the three championship golf courses to the two health clubs and spa.

Set in 1,400 acres of beautiful countryside - the panoramic gateway to Wales - the complex is the brainchild of telecommunications entrepreneur Sir Terence Matthews.

The first part of his plan to create a world-class conference and leisure development in Gwent was the purchase of the 19th Century Manor House in 1980.

This is now a 400-room, 32-suite 1,500-delegate convention centre able to cater for any occasion, whether it's corporate hospitality, conferences or product launches.

The 400 rooms are, as you would expect, simply exquisite.rnrn A typical room boasts a generous amount of space, and includes a wonderful bathroom, huge double bed, satellite TV and a balcony.

This space and size are obviously welcome, but what sets Celtic Manor's rooms apart is the tasteful decoration, which encapsulates its illustrious former role as home to a mining magnate.

The top-class hotel, awarded the title Hotel of the Year in 2000, is an excellent indication of the quality of the whole complex, more of which later.

First, back to the golf. It seems obvious to state that the courses on offer are of a high standard, given the fact Celtic Manor has been awarded the biggest event in golf.

Nevertheless, the premier layout Wentwood Hills - opened in 1992 - has attracted occasional criticism over its suitability as a Ryder Cup course.

Firstly, given its age this is harsh, with most courses requiring far longer to mature into the kind of enjoyable test Wentwood Hills offers.

Hardly typical resort golf, I think you'll agree. Everything about the course is manicured to the highest standards, so no temporary greens, no scruffy tees and no building sand in the bunkers.

It is also no pushover either.

Water features heavily on the valley floor section of the course and even the finest players will have to hit the ball sweetly to stay dry during this phase.

On the back nine, an abundance of mature trees mean accuracy is essential. The tee shot on 16 is also not one for those with a phobia for sand.

Celtic Manor's other two courses complement Wentwood Hills extremely well. Roman Road was the first to be built in 1995 and boasts views across the Severn Estuary and to Somerset and Devon.

Trent Jones Snr incorporated numerous Roman roads in the layout, hence the name.

Coldra Woods is a par-59 layout which is used by the Welsh Golf Union for national squad training.

Nevertheless, the premier layout Wentwood Hills - opened in 1992 - has attracted occasional criticism over its suitability as a Ryder Cup course. Firstly, given its age this is harsh, with most courses requiring far longer to mature into the kind of enjoyable test Wentwood Hills offers.

The fairways are immaculate, the greens true and the views often breathtaking. The obvious negative is the start, which involves playing the first few holes down the side of a hill.

Not exactly a hardship, but really not in keeping with the rest of the Robert Trent Jones Jnr layout, described as "a fantastic course in a fabulous location" by Seve Ballesteros.

Celtic Manor simply isn't the kind of place which rests on its laurels however, and hence work has already begun on the £12M redevelopment of the course with the Ryder Cup in mind.

The new layout will have seven new holes and will be ready in time for the 2006 Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open.

Despite this huge revamp, there will never be anything other than 18 fine holes in operation during the reconstruction.

The hills which are not ideal to play golf on will actually become a real asset for tournaments, with natural ampitheatres being created - providing spectators with perfect viewing points.