The race for Ryder Cup points is entering the home straight and two of Wales's favourite sons - Phillip Price and Ian Woosnam - will be aiming to secure their place on the European team in front of their home fans this week.
With only four weeks remaining to earn a place in the team both Price and Woosnam, currently lying ninth and 16th respectively in the Ryder Cup Points Table, need a strong performance to qualify for Sam Torrance's team for the 34th Ryder Cup Matches at The De Vere Belfry next month.
Price and Woosnam lead a star cast for The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open, which returns to the spectacular Wentwood Hills course for a second successive year. The field also includes defending champion Steen Tinning and David Dixon, winner of the Silver Medal for the leading amateur in the Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, who makes his professional debut. Dixon was the only amateur to make the cut, shooting rounds of 70-71-70-74 to finish in a tie for 30th.
Twelve months ago Tinning claimed his maiden European Tour title after 15 years on The European Tour. The Dane shot a final round of 69 to overhaul overnight leader Woosnam and edge David Howell into second place in the first European Tour event to take place in Wales since 1991.
All the main protagonists from last year are back in action with Woosnam seeking a third title on home soil to stand alongside his two victories at St Pierre in Chepstow - the 1983 British Masters and the 1990 Epson Grand Prix .
Price is one of a number of winners on the 2001 European Tour International Schedule in the field while the course will also bring back happy memories for Gregory Havret, who won the 1999 European Amateur Championship over the Robert Trent Jones Jnr-designed course.
Prize money has been increased from £750,000 to £1million and a number of changes have been made to the course including an extension to the tee on the 15th hole and a re-shaped fairway and two new bunkers alongside a more level green on the 16th hole. There has also been a major increase in hospitality capacity.
The par 72 Wentwood Hills course opened in May 1999 with an exhibition match between Woosnam and the 1999 Ryder Cup captain Mark James.
