'Year to Go' match between 2010 Ryder Cup captains ends all square

NEWPORT, Wales -- Just under a year from now, the 2010 Ryder Cup will be under way in Wales, and Monday's exhibition match between the opposing captains, played in glorious sunshine over the Twenty Ten Course at the Celtic Manor Resort, certainly whetted the appetite for next year's contest.

European Captain Colin Montgomerie and BBC Radio's Chris Evans took on U.S. Captain Corey Pavin and Welsh Opera star Bryn Terfel in the exhibition, and after nine holes of greensomes, there was nothing to separate them as the match sportingly finished all square.

Ryder Cup Partners and Sponsors and guests from the worlds of hospitality and media walked the fairways with the players, enjoying a relaxed day when Wales was at its best.

With Sky Television's Richard Boxall providing some light-hearted commentary and interviews, the banter between the four players highlighted the camaraderie between the captains. But a year from now, things will get serious as Europe attempts to regain the Ryder Cup after last year's defeat at Valhalla.

Among those lining the fairways Monday were two Welsh Ryder Cup heroes in Brian Huggett, captain of the 1977 Great Britain and Ireland team, and Phillip Price, while rugby legend Gareth Edwards was on hand to present a magnum of Moet & Chandon champagne to each of the four players.

"It was a great game, great company with Chris and Bryn who played tremendously," said Montgomerie. "And I would like to thank Corey for coming all the way over and making this day so special."

Pavin added: "It was a good match and a lot of fun to come and see the golf course again. Chris and Bryn in particular played well and we enjoyed it out there."

Of the two celebrities, Evans may have been surprised by the size of the gallery but showed no signs of nerves as he belied his 15 handicap with some magnificent drives and bunker play.

"These are two great captains and you can sense the camaraderie between them," he said. "There is a competition but it was a pleasure to play with them."

And Terfel may be more used to performing on stage in the opera, but he too was unfazed and hardly put a foot wrong. "It was wonderful to share a stage with two of the greats in the world of golf," he said. "In a year's time thousands of people will be here, lining these holes, and it will be tremendous."

The exhibition match was part of the 'Year to Go' celebrations to mark the countdown for the 2010 Ryder Cup, which will be played over the Twenty Ten Course -- the first course designed specifically to host the Ryder Cup -- from Oct. 1-3.

Copyright 2009 PGA.com. All rights reserved.