The first Nicklaus-designed golf course in Wales is getting ready to stage a major tournament in its opening year. Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Ltd and the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour have confirmed that Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club will host the 2005 Wales Ladies Championship of Europe.

The event, which has been held at Royal Porthcawl for the last four years, will take place at Machynys from 11-14 August and welcome top names from the world of women's golf to compete for a share of the £350,000 prize fund - the fourth largest prize fund on the Ladies European Tour and its third largest ranking event, with Order of Merit and Solheim Cup points attached.

Machynys Peninsula, located in Llanelli's Millennium Coastal Park, is one of only eight Nicklaus-designed courses in Europe - a 7,100-yard links-style, par 72 championship course - and will hold the tournament from 2005-2008.

The Machynys course opens in April 2005 - the project design of the golf course has been overseen by Gary Nicklaus, son of the legendary Jack.

Jim Anderson, managing director of Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club, says:

"This is fantastic news for Machynys and Carmarthenshire. This is a world class championship course and we are delighted and honoured that Ryder Cup Wales and the Ladies European Tour have decided to bring such a prestigious event here.

"The Wales Ladies Championship of Europe is one of the top tournaments on the Ladies European Tour and is a key part of the 2005 Wales Summer of Golf programme, organised by Ryder Cup Wales. Managing director, Rob Holt comments: "It's great for golf in Wales to have a new venue of this calibre. The team at Machynys is committed to developing the course to the highest quality.

"The complex has the space and infrastructure to handle thousands of spectators, the location is accessible to the M4 and the setting overlooking Gower and Carmarthen Bay is fantastic.

"Bringing this tournament to Machynys is yet another example of how the 2010 Ryder Cup coming to Wales is already benefiting the whole of the country."

Carmarthenshire County Council is co-sponsoring the event with Machynys. Council Leader Cllr Meryl Gravel says:

"A lot of hard work has gone into this project and Machynys will receive our full backing and support for the tournament.

"The quality of the development is a major boost for the local tourism industry and an important asset for the on-going economic development of the area. It is a prime example of how the council is working hard to attract quality investment into Llanelli and the rest of Carmarthenshire."

Huw Jones, tournament director for the event at the Ladies European Tour, is clear what the move to Machynys means.

"We are delighted to take one of the Tour's most prestigious events to Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club.

"This new impressive venue boasts excellent facilities and I'm sure the Jack Nicklaus designed course will prove a firm and exciting challenge for the high quality field that we are sure to attract."

Top international and UK women golfers including Laura Davies and Helen Alfredsson have played the tournament in the past, alongside Wales' top golfers, Becky Morgan and Becky Brewerton.

Last year's event at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, was won by England's Trish Johnson and the 2005 event at Machynys should attract key players eager to win vital points, and earn a place on the 2005 Solheim Cup team.