AFTER nine years of planning, the most-anticipated sports event ever to come to Wales is finally here.

Around 30,000 golf fans will today put those plans to the test as they make their way to the Celtic Manor Resort for first practise day of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

When competition begins on Friday, there will be 45,000 people visiting the site every day.

Among those will be Americans Bill Reid and Gary Crane who made the 12-hour plane journey from Cleveland, Ohio, to Cardiff via Amsterdam to make it to their first Ryder Cup tournament.

The keen golfers, who are staying at Pendragon House bed and breakfast in Caerleon, have been planning their trip for over a year and are looking forward to exploring Newport and the surrounding area.

Mr Reid, 69, whose great grandparents are Welsh, said: “I have always wanted to go to the Ryder Cup and to Wales, so when I found out it was here we decided to come.

“We are in Caerleon right now it’s very nice, it looks like there are a lot of things to see like the Roman ruins.

“We are looking forward to seeing the competition and how beautiful the course is, it will be fun to watch.”

Mr Crane, 73, who has a handicap of ten, said he was looking forward to seeing how Tiger Woods performs.

He said: “In past events he has never played as good in a team competition as he does individually. I am very excited.”

To get to the action, the pair will join tens of thousands of fans on one of 140 double-decker buses run by Stagecoach from park and ride sites at Tredegar House and Llanwern.

A team of around 220 drivers will operate the service, with 140 brought in from sites around the UK.

The buses, which are free for valid ticket holders, will operate largely according to demand but are likely to run every five minutes during peak times.

The company’s managing director John Gould said: “We are very much prepared and ready to go.”

Council leader Matthew Evans said the three day competition was one of the most memorable events to happen in the city and Newport was more than ready for its moment in the spotlight.

“There is a tremendous sense of anticipation across the city and everything is in place to welcome visitors to Newport,” he said.

“As council leader and a Newport resident, I feel a huge amount of pride in knowing that our city has the logistics and infrastructure to host an event of this magnitude.”

Cllr Evans said the tournament had acted as a catalyst for city regeneration, which has seen more than £150 million of investment that would leave a lasting legacy.

Superintendent Nigel Russell, who is heading the police operation at the contest, said the force would do what it can to help make the occasion special by keeping its presence as low key as possibly whilst creating a secure but friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

He added: “I'm confident that we will be able to deal with any contingencies or situations that might arise.”

Teamwork key to company's success

Chief Executive of Ryder Cup Wales, Rob Holt, the work put in by Newport council and residents of the city to ensure that the event runs smoothly has been invaluable to organisers.

“From the commitment of Newport City Council and the neighbouring local authorities, to the dedication of the local companies engaged in numerous ways, to prepare for, and service the event, it has been a real team effort.

“The eyes of the world will be on the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport and Wales this week, let's enjoy it.”