THE world was watching and Wales delivered, that was the verdict of Colin Montgomerie at the end of an action-packed week at the Celtic Manor.

After being presented with the trophy by first minister Carwyn Jones at yesterday closing ceremony, he saluted everyone present at the Celtic Manor, saying: "You were fantastic."

The first minister spoke at ceremony by thanking everyone for coming to Wales but reserved a special mention for Sir Terry Matthews.

He said: "Without his commitment the course would never have been built and the Ryder Cup would never have come to Wales."

Ryder Cup Europe board member Phil Weaver thanked everybody involved at the Celtic Manor for helping to make it one of the best Ryder Cups ever.

He said: "Deep in the Usk valley, this is a sterling amphitheatre of a course and thanks to the good people of Wales, we have overcome all the problems."

US Captain Corey Pavin also praised those involved it staging the event saying: "We came into Monday but we made it work.

"We've had a great week and to Sir Terry, I thank you for your hospitality and the great course."

However before the closing ceremony began, it was the ground staff who had their moment of glory.

Some covered in mud, they paraded into the arena to rapturous applause from the tens of thousands assembled in the arena.

* Visitor numbers at the Ryder Cup were 45,000 each day from Friday to Sunday and 35,000 spectators gathered yesterday to watch the final day of play.