SIX-time Major winner Nick Faldo admits he can't wait for the Celtic Manor Wales Open to begin, after seeing the course first hand for himself yesterday.

Faldo, without question one of the finest British golfers of all time, was at the Celtic Manor to announce the relocation of his successful Faldo Series and Team Faldo ventures for up-and-coming young golfers to the Gwent resort for the next three years.

The former world number one will make his debut at the Wales Open next month and told the Argus that he keeps hearing great things about the event.

He said: "I am really looking forward to playing here for the first time because I still want to play the best golf that I can.

"I came here for a corporate day during the Wales Open in 2003 and I was struck by the enthusiastic nature of the crowd, they really seemed to be buzzing about the event.

"So I know that there will be a great atmosphere, I realise how much people here appreciate and enjoy their golf, my only request would be - please don't let it rain!

"The venue is fantastic, it is going to become even more special with the Ryder Cup being staged here, so I am really looking forward to playing my part this year. It seems that year on year this event grows in stature. It has become an important tournament and should be a fantastic four days.

"It is also likely to be an event that will grow ever stronger because the closer we get to 2010, the more the top guys are going to want to be involved."

Faldo's links with the resort have been further strengthened by the announcement that the Celtic Manor is the new base of the Faldo Series, the youth initiative Faldo set-up in 1996 to nurture young talent - it has already produced European Tour winner Nick Dougherty.

Faldo is relishing the opportunity of watching his initiative flourish at the Celtic Manor and admits that if his masterplan is to come to fruition, it will happen in Gwent.

He explained: "My aim with the Faldo series was always to produce a Ryder Cup player by 2010, which I guarantee will happen.

"Of course that Ryder Cup is being played here in Gwent, which is fitting as the Celtic Manor will have a big impact on the Faldo Series and Team Faldo in the coming years."