SOME of the biggest names in golf tee off in this year's Wales Open today. GARETH PHILLIPS and ROB WESTALL look at the prestigious event .

NEwport's bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup is under the spotlight when the Wales Open tees off at the Celtic Manor's Wentwood Hills course today.

Some of the biggest names in world golf will be playing at the resort including Ian Woosnam - complete with a new caddie - and defending champion Steen Tinning. The tournament, now firmly established on the European golfing calendar, has been hailed an economic boost for Newport, with thousands of spectators expected to attend over the weekend.

But it is also coming under scrutiny from the 2009 Ryder Cup committee who will visit the resort tomorrow to see at first hand how well Newport and the Celtic Manor cope with the demands of a major golf tournament.

And preparations have been carefully planned to ensure the weekend runs smoothly. Major traffic congestion, which blights many of the United Kingdom's sporting events - such as the British Grand Prix at Silverstone - has hopefully been avoided by the introduction of regular shuttle bus services.

These will ferry some of the thousands of visitors to the resort from the large car parking facilities.

And while the event has attracted interest from large multi-national companies such as Honda and Barclays, there is also support from local companies.

Construction firm, Brunswick, which is currently redeveloping the Queens Hotel in Newport town centre and was responsible for the restoration of the old Post Office and Corn Exchange building - is a partner of the event.

A further 80 businesses, both local and international, are also involved in the tournament. A spokeswoman for the Welsh Development Agency said: "Last year this event received excellent reports for its organisation, and we are sure that this year will offer further proof that Wales and the Celtic Manor can hold major international golf tournaments.

"This event is very much part of our pitch for the Ryder Cup, and has the WDA's total backing."

A Wales Tourist Board spokeswoman said: "Having the Wales Open firmly back on the golfing calendar is a major economic boost for the Newport area and a boost for the development for golf tournaments in Wales.

"This year's event will give Wales the opportunity to show the Ryder Cup committee that the Wales bid for the 2009 Ryder Cup is the best bid and the Ryder Cup will get the best welcome in the world if it comes to Wales."

*PICTURED: Ian Woosnam, many people's favourite for the Wales Open title, during the pro-am