Pavin to play at Celtic Manor

Pavin: Heading to Wales this summer

I look forward to bringing my wife Lisa to Wales and connecting with the people. Don't be surprised to find us hanging out in pubs the week of the Wales Open enjoying friendly banter about the possibilities of 2010

Corey Pavin
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American Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin will get the chance to see Celtic Manor up close when he plays in this year's Wales Open.

The 49-year-old will return to Europe, where he started his professional career, for the event at the Twenty Ten course this June.

European counterpart Colin Montgomerie will also be in action at the Newport venue which has been chosen to stage the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Pavin admits it will be a wonderful honour to lead his country in what he describes as "the greatest event in golf".

Intense experience

"When I was appointed captain I spoke of what a great thrill it was for me to have this wonderful honour," he said. "The Ryder Cup is the most dynamic and intense experience a competitive golfer will ever have.

"I started my professional career in Europe and have extremely fond memories of those days and the wonderful people that I encountered along the way.

"I look forward to bringing my wife Lisa to Wales and connecting with the people. Don't be surprised to find us hanging out in pubs the week of the Wales Open enjoying friendly banter about the possibilities of 2010.

"I am determined to lead our team with passion and determination, but in the spirit of great sportsmanship and camaraderie. In these tough global economic times particularly, we need to keep this wonderful event in perspective.

"Colin and I have met each other on three occasions in the Ryder Cup (Pavin lost the first two, but won the third) and it will be great to see him again.

"We are both passionate guys with a genuine love for the game and it will be fantastic to play in the same tournament together on the same course where we will both have the honour of being captains in what I believe is the greatest event in golf."

Tremendous news

Montgomerie is delighted that the 1995 US Open champion has decided to play on a course specifically built to host the Ryder Cup.

Pavin, who was named Paul Azinger's successor last December, will be bidding to lead the United States to glory on European soil for the first time since 1993.

"It is tremendous news that Corey is playing and myself and Gaynor look forward very much to welcoming him and Lisa to Wales," Montgomerie said.

"Throughout his career Corey has shown himself as a great competitor and I am sure, like me, he will be striving to win the Celtic Manor Wales Open as well as looking ahead to his own plans for next year's Ryder Cup.

"The course where next year's Ryder Cup will unfold is set up to challenge the best and, being a course with a whole host of tempting options and punishing hazards, there will be much for Corey and I to examine."