IT'S now less than a year to the time when the third biggest sporting event on the planet comes to Newport and the Usk Valley with the Ryder Cup arriving at the Celtic Manor.

And to mark the occasion a special challenge match between rival captains Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin graced the 2010 course in suitably glorious conditions yesterday followed by a gala dinner last night. The course is now in mint condition while off it plans are stepping up with the construction of a special bridge over the River Usk to take the players to a new practice area.

And the city is to receive another £1m from the Welsh Assembly for a number of facelifts in addition to the £800,000 already received to get the iconic Transporter Bridge back into working order.

Newport Unlimited is also providing £2m for the enhancement programme which involves improving the war memorial at the cenotaph; refurbishing the footbridge at Newport railway station and closing the subway from Devon Place to Queensway; refurbishing the Old Rising Sun at the Harlequin Roundabout; improvements to John Frost Square and tidying the city centre environment.

Major developments haven't happened due to the recession while there remains a threat that Cardiff and Bristol will attract many of the overseas and home visitors.

But the vision and the money pumped in by Sir Terry Matthews to bring the Ryder Cup to Wales is about to be realised and he must be a very proud man today.

The agenda has been set, the countdown is on and if the weather remains as kind next autumn as it has this year we will be in for a wonderful few days when the eyes of the sporting world will be well and truly on Newport and the surrounding area.