Wales Woos World's Golfers

Wales is hoping to put itself on the map as one of the world's top golf destinations.

Golfing holidays are increasingly popular with package deals offering trips to famous courses and dedicated resorts.

Wales will host the Ryder Cup in 2010 and tourism chiefs are keen to get maximum value from their successful bid.

"Obviously attracting the Ryder Cup here has put a tremendous focus onto golf and made operators realise the importance of the market," Julian Burrell, chairman of the Wales Tourism Alliance, told the Western Mail.

Golfers are a lucrative market for tour operators and hosting such a major tournament will bring Wales to the attention of enthusiasts from around the world.