Run Up To The Ryder Cup

This week sees the opening of one of the world's biggest sporting events - the 2010 Ryder Cup. On Friday, this glamorous golfing tournament tees off in Newport - a South Wales city hit hard by the economic recession.

In the first of a new series, we go behind the scenes to follow the ups and downs of the last year's preparations (from October 2009 to October 2010) - from building a course fit for the golfing elite, to overhauling an area devastated by an economic storm.

With twelve months to go, Bryn Terfel's in full voice at a celebrity match to mark the countdown... If everything goes to plan, the Ryder Cup could change Newport's fortunes forever...but Newport City Council leader Matthew Evans has his work cut out enthusing the locals - and ensuring vitally important building projects finish on time.

Newport has seen record job losses; plans for a new shopping centre have just collapsed after investors pulled out. Now all hope rests on the Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort...

But as Christmas approaches, golf hits the headlines for all the wrong reasons...Tiger Woods emerges from a reported car crash to announce his break from the game ...but...will he be back in time for the Ryder Cup?

A behind the scenes documentary charting preparations for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Follows the preparations for the 2010 Ryder Cup in South Wales

One of the world's biggest sporting events, the 2010 Ryder Cup, tees off in just four days... In the second part of our series charting the behind- the-scenes preparations, we catch up with progress at Welsh host city, Newport, in South Wales.

It's January 2010, and Celtic Manor director Russell Phillips waits anxiously for the go-ahead to demolish a derelict listed farmhouse right next to the eighteenth hole...but the planning process is complicated, and time is running out to relocate the ruin before the world's media beam images of it across the world...

At the clubhouse, interviews are underway to find golf assistants..in an area devastated by the economic recession, every job is precious - and unemployed warehouse worker Selwyn fights off nerves as he faces very stiff competition.

Meanwhile, Newport City council leader Matthew Evans's nerves are already frayed, as he finds out a vital footbridge linking the railway station to the city may not be ready for the Ryder Cup.

And as new revelations about Tiger Woods hit the headlines, there's still a question-mark over whether the world's most famous golfer will even make the Ryder Cup...

The planning process threatens to delay demolition of a building by the 18th hole.

Follows the preparations for the 2010 Ryder Cup in South Wales

With just three days left to this year's Ryder Cup tournament, we return to Welsh host city Newport, in South Wales, for the third part of our series following the hectic behind-the-scenes preparations for one of the world's biggest sporting events...

Excitement is beginning to build in the City, as local rappers Goldie Lookin-Chain record a Ryder Cup anthem with Newport City Choir...

But Newport is still far from ready for the world stage; frustrated Newport City Council leader Matthew Evans is chasing up vital refurbishment projects, like floodlights for the City's castle - he threatens to stand there and hold a torch himself...

Meanwhile organisers at the Celtic Manor Resort are gearing up for the Wales Open tournament - their dress rehearsal for the Ryder Cup...

But it's not just golfers that the Celtic Manor have to accommodate, it also has to look after dormice...the resort have had to build footbridges over Ryder Cup coach parks for the protected species.....and if that wasn't enough, there's an historic Roman Road to preserve...

To cap it all, the Tiger Woods uncertainty continues ...everyone wants golf's biggest star to come to the Ryder Cup ...but will he return to form in time?

It's spring, and plans forge ahead at the Celtic Manor course.

Follows the preparations for the 2010 Ryder Cup in South Wales

Thousands of spectators are already on their way to Newport in South Wales, to witness the world's golfing elite battle it out for the game's biggest trophy, the 2010 Ryder Cup, which opens tomorrow. (Oct 1st)

In our fourth programme following the behind-the-scenes preparations over the twelve months, it's July, and organisers toast the success of the Welsh Open tournament - their dress rehearsal for the Ryder Cup.

There is just one last hurdle before the purpose-built course graces the world stage - a derelict listed farmhouse right next to the 18th hole.

Celtic Manor bosses are relying on Newport City Council's planning committee to grant permission to rebuild it, brick by brick, and relocate it to a less obtrusive site - away from the glare of the world's media - a move condoned by conservation body Cadw, and backed by council leader Matthew Evans.

But the City's planning committee refuses to be dictated to.

Meanwhile, Newport's most famous landmark, its century-old iron Transporter Bridge, is re-opening across the River Usk, after a Ryder Cup refurbishment..but progress on a futuristic railway station footbridge is running dangerously behind schedule.

And there's still no news on whether Tiger Woods will make the team - and pull in the Ryder Cup crowds.

An exclusive behind the scenes documentary charting preparations for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Follows the preparations for the 2010 Ryder Cup in South Wales

Today saw the start of one of the world's biggest sporting events.the 2010 Ryder Cup. Millions of viewers worldwide watched the opening ceremony, at the Celtic Manor resort in Newport, South Wales.

In our final programme charting the behind-the-scenes dramas over the last year, it's September - one month to go - and the last tee-off before the big tournament - the Gareth Edwards Golf Day. Some of Wales' biggest rugby names descend on the Celtic Manor, in a crowd-pleasing event.

Back at the hotel, events manager Becky Joy has just weeks before the world's golfing elite, and their families, arrive. She has to make sure everything is perfect - from beds and menus to spa and gym equipment.it's a stressful time.

As the last round comes to an end, the course closes - there's just a month to add the finishing touches to the course for the Ryder Cup. Director of golf Jim Mackenzie and his team are working flat out to make sure the greens are in pristine condition for the arrival of golfing glitterati.

Newport City Council leader Matthew Evans is also feeling the pressure.with just weeks to go, has he persuaded the city's residents about the benefits of the Ryder Cup and has he been able to capitalise on Newport's newly found fame to secure new investors into the city?

Will there be a legacy for the struggling city after the golfing stars and media frenzy has left?

The tournament is approaching, but will there be a legacy for Newport after the event?

Follows the preparations for the 2010 Ryder Cup in South Wales