Celtic Manor will stage the first Ryder Cup to take place in Wales

The organisers' decision comes after a meeting with Welsh Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

"This means the countdown has truly begun for the first Ryder Cup in Wales," said European Tour chief executive George O'Grady.

"We now look forward to delivering the finest edition in the history of the Ryder Cup."

The 2006 Ryder Cup was held at the K Club in County Kildare, while next year's event will be hosted at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky.

The course is complete and we will play some golf on there in June this year Russell Phillips

And when the Ryder Cup comes to Wales, Morgan is determined the country will prove itself as the perfect host.

He said: "It's our Olympics - we can't host the Olympics because we are too small a country, but we can host the Ryder Cup.

"It's the largest tournament that we can host effectively and we are determined that it will be Wales's showcase to the world."

O'Grady added: "We have had a meeting chaired by the First Minister today and the preparations are excellent.

"When the First Minister chairs these meetings it shows the commitment of Wales and his personal commitment."

Russell Phillips, Celtic Manor's facilities and construction chief, has made it clear that the course is ready now and should be holding test events soon.

He said: "The course is complete, which is the first milestone, and we will play some golf on there in June this year.

"The clubhouse is due for an official opening in October this year."

In the same week as the main match at Celtic Manor, the Junior Ryder Cup will be at Gleneagles in Scotland. Last year's match ended in a 6-6 tie.