Ryder Cup a pot of gold

11:31am Tuesday 25th July 2006

GWENT householders stand to make tens of thousands of pounds from letting out their homes to American and European golf fans during the Ryder Cup in 2010.

Dozens of homeowners are already making plans to let out their properties when the world's most prestigious golf match comes to Newport.

Some householders could make up to £10,000 for a week.

Wales and Llanelli Scarlets rugby star Alix Popham launched a website advertising Gwent properties.

He hopes to have between 50 and 100 properties to let by the time the tournament comes to the city, and says people stand to make a lot of money.

He said for the three-day tournament: "You can charge anything up to £2,000 for a large double room, and up to £1,000 for a single room." As an example, he said a four-bedroom house with double rooms and two reception rooms with single beds in could get you £10,000, but a top of the range property could go for even more.

He acts as the agent advertising properties on his website for a one-off fee of £100.

"I know in Ireland for this year's Ryder Cup it's mad," he added.

"So far eight or nine properties have been booked but I think it will really take off after this year's Ryder Cup has finished.

"A lot of people have phoned up and are very interested."

The Ryder Cup 2006 is being held this September at the K Club in County Kildare, near Dublin.

Gerry Hughes of Irish website Tourrentals specialises in renting out properties for golf.

The site lists dozens of properties close to the K Club that are being snapped up by visitors from the USA and Canada, but also Scandanavian countries.

Mr Hughes said: "Those who are looking to rent houses are corporate guests and VIPs, to families of players and their entourages.

"Proximity to the course is a big thing, but for the duration of the tournament you can get anything from $3,000 US (£1,600) for a small house to $100,000 US (£54,000) for a large mansion or country house.

"A four-bed semi in a Dublin suburb will go for between $7,000 US (£3,700) and $8,000 US (£4,300).

"I would advise the people of Newport to make the most of the opportunity.

"It's not much of an upheaval for people to leave their properties and there's a lot of money to be made."