Tiger Woods could be back for Ryder Cup

Woods, probably the most recognised face in the sporting world, has taken a prolonged break from golf after revelations about a string of extra marital affairs.

Speculation has been rife that he could be absent from golf for the rest of the year, though more recently reports are surfacing that he could be back before the Masters at the end of April.

Sir Terry has no doubts that Woods will put himself right in the frame for the Ryder Cup. "I can predict with certainty he will be crossing that bridge," he said after Carwyn Jones, First Minister for Wales, opened the new crossing.

"This is for his nation, it's not any game. The Ryder Cup has that profile, anyone worth his salt would want to play here. It certainly wouldn't help if he wasn't here."

The twin suspension, cable stayed bridge, which is 120 metres long, completes a u00a316million investment by the Celtic Manor Resort building a new course, clubhouse and surrounding infrastructure.

"This is the final piece in the jigsaw and we're definitely ready," said Sir Terry.

"There will be a u00a370m economic spin-off for Wales, but that's the tip of the iceberg.

"The Ryder Cup is a known item, people know it's being held in Wales and the Celtic

Manor and it attracts the right image, it's always seen in a good light and it will create an effect for years to come."

He expects the worldwide interest in the Ryder Cup to attract massive benefits for the Celtic Manor and for Wales.

"My business is electronics and when I visit people all over the world they all know about Wales and the Ryder Cup whether it's in Shanghai, Bejiing, Mumbai, Delhi, New York or San Francisco," he said.

"In China there are many millionaires and golf club members, they are the decision makers of society and they will have quite an effect on our business when some of them come to stay here.

"There are more castles in Wales than anywhere else, and people are interested in history. I hear it wherever I go so I'm aware of the familiarity, it's beyond belief and you can hardly imagine better views than here in the Usk Valley."

European Ryder Cup director Richard Hills said studies into recent weather patterns for the beginning of October (the tournament runs from October 1-3) proved that concerns about rain or fog were unfounded.

"We've studied this and the latest tee-off time has been 8.45am and the catch-up time on Sunday morning would allow it to finish, I'm confident it would be finished by then.

"This has been a very good example of the team effect with Ryder Cup Wales, the Welsh Assembly and Sir Terry. They have delivered on everything they promised. People all over the world are looking at this event, especially the six other countries competing to host the 2016 event."

Sir Terry added: "We have unprecedented access to the site with the roads and rail network so people will see the facilities as they move in and out of the course.

"People tell me it's the best they've seen. It's so good that we could hold the Ryder Cup today.

"At the K Club (the last home Ryder Cup venue) we were up to our ankles in mud, but we had a blank sheet of paper and the ability to get in and out of the site was always incredibly important.

"The 16th, 17th and 18th holes provide an unprecedented area for hospitaslity. At Valhalla the area set aside the slope of the land meant you couldn't see the players, but here they will have very good views."

Carywn Jones paid tribute to all parties. "It shows what can be done with a vision and working together to produce the Ryder Cup for Wales," he said.

u00a0

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!