Ryder cup 2010 countdown

The twenty ten course

Front Nine

1st

465 yards, par 4

A challenging opening drive, with a cluster of bunkers on the elbow of the dogleg. Skirting with the bunkers gives the best angle of approach into the green which is guarded by three bunkers while there is a swale to the right and back of the green.

2nd

610 yards, par 5

This is a good hole which runs along the River Usk, but one which offers a birdie opportunity if the player manages to find the fairway off the tee. It is a straightforward hole with bunkers left and right all the way down the fairway while there is a swale to the right of the green to gather any misguided approach shots.

3rd

189 yards, par 3

With a tee shot for the most part entirely over water from tee to green, the first challenge is to find the putting surface – but the challenge is accentuated by a run-off over the back. Pin placement here is crucial with a plateau on the left of the green an especially difficult location as it brings the water more into play.

4th

461 yards, par 4

A relatively straightforward tee-shot – despite the presence of two strategically placed bunkers at 290-310 yards off the tee – should make this a real second-shot hole. The biggest danger is the contouring of the green.

5th

433 yards, par 4

A very good hole with again the main onus on the approach. Players will probably hit three-wood or rescue off the tee to the dogleg for an approach over a water hazard to a narrow green. Shot control on the approach is key here, with anything short falling back towards the hazard while there is a severe run-off over the back.

6th

422 yards, par 4

This hole has water in play all the way down the right, while there are two well-positioned bunkers down the left should a player err on the side of caution. The green is protected by two bunkers to the left and another deep sand trap at the back.

7th

213 yards, par 3

A strong short hole, the priority here is to miss the huge bunker that runs down the length of the green on the left. In contrast, there is a deep pot bunker to the right of the green which could also prove troublesome. There is a run-off area over the back which would leave a difficult up-and-down for any player going long.

8th

439 yards, par 4

A tough hole with fairway bunkers left and right in play off the tee. The toughest pin placement is on the right – where a deep bunker guards the approach – while Colin Montgomerie requested that a run-off (now known as Monty’s Incline) be created to the right of the green which would leave a delicate up-and-down.

9th

580 yards, par 5

The forward tee is expected to be used every day as players will be able to go for the green in two. Nevertheless, players will have to be careful with their drives as there are two bunkers strategically placed down the right. Players going for the green in two must avoid the large bunker to the right while water comes into play for any pulled approach shots.

Back Nine

10th

210 yards, par 3

The pin position on this hole is vital. The green slopes back to front and also right to left, while the challenge is accentuated by a swirling wind in this part of the course. Club selection is very important, as the green is surrounded by four bunkers.

11th

562 yards, par 5

This hole is definitely on in two, although it is important to find a fairway which twists and narrows at around the 300 yards mark off the tee with water in play down the left. The hole yielded seven eagles during the Wales Open earlier this season and most players will fancy their chances of reaching the green in two, although there are also bunkers left and right to contend with.

12th

458 yards, par 4

A really strong hole which should produce great matchplay: the second shot here players uphill, so there can be the tendency for approach shots to come up short which brings the lake into play. The smallish green is protected by water and three bunkers – so it deserves tremendous respect.

13th

189 yards, par 3

This is a dangerous par three, with the tee shot over water. Distance control is vitally important, as there are two bunkers over the back of the green. Anyone finding the sand traps at the back will face a difficult downhill recovery shot with the water again back in play.

14th

485 yards, par 4

Colin Montgomerie rates this as the best hole on the course, and with good reason. It was ranked the toughest hole during the Wales Open in 2009 (and second toughest this year) and demands a great drive followed by an accurate approach to a long green guarded on the right by two bunkers and with water in play on the left.

15th

377 yards, par 4

A wonderfully conceived hole, it should make for superb matchplay. Some players will fancy their chances of driving the green – cutting across the trees and overgrown area down the right – but it is a gamble as there is a creek to the left of the green which is also protected by a number of deep bunkers.

16th

499 yards, par 4

With the prevailing wind into their faces, this hole marks the start of a tough run-in. Ranked as the toughest hole in this year's Wales Open, the green is tucked into a little hillside in the Usk Valley and players must avoid two well-placed fairway bunkers off the tee before hitting an approach to a well-protected green which is angled left to right and can be difficult to hold.

17th

211 yards, par 3

A severe slope left to right on the green means that club selection is important, particularly if the wind is up. The long green has a number of deep bunkers short and right as protection and a lone pot bunker on the left.

18th

575 yards, par 5

The forward tee will be in play to tempt players go for the green in two on this finishing hole where the green is protected by two large bunkers on either side. The water which cuts across the front of the green – some 15 yards short of the putting surface – is also very much in play.