Newport's Ryder Cup benefits ‘will continue for years’

But some residents and traders say they are yet to see any advantages for the city.

LEGACY: Cllr Matthew Evans

A year on from the tournament Cllr Matthew Evans said the benefits of bringing the Ryder Cup to Newport were clear from the outset and will continue to be felt in the future.

He said: “As a council, we ensured the city was able to capitalise on its moment in the global spotlight and concentrated on the the legacies that the Ryder Cup would leave. For example, every resident had a chance to join in the celebrations, even if they were not golf fans.

Many local businesses gained directly as a result of the event although we always recognised it was not going to bring financial rewards for everyone, especially in view of the economic climate.”

More than £28 million was spent in Newport during the week of the tournament, including more than £12.2 million on food, drink and other items at the tournament itself, and just over £4.6million on accommodation by spectators and event volunteers.

Of the total £28.3 million boost to the Newport economy, £25.5 million was from visitors and the remaining amount was spent by residents.

Cllr Evans said hosting the tournament had got people interested in Newport and people are still interested.

Among the benefits, he said, are the environmental and infrastructure enhancements, new opportunities for children and “worldwide recognition” for the city, as well as the completion of £100 million of regeneration projects, including the University of Wales, Newport city centre campus and Newport Railway Station.

Many residents don’t see Ryder Cup benefits

MANY Newport residents do not agree the city benefited in the long term from the Ryder Cup.

Lionel Morris, chairman of the Hackney Carriage Drivers’ Association, said: “I don’t believe the Ryder Cup had any good lasting legacy for taxi drivers in the area. People were shuttled to the Celtic Manor and shuttled out again.”

Mike Turner, of A D Turner and Sons Butchers, in Newport Market, said: “It did put Newport on the map, but it’s a pity that people didn’t wander around the city.”

Jill Trewick, 69, of Queens Hill, Newport, said: “We enjoyed it when it was about, but I really can’t see the benefits. It was good for the town, but visitors didn’t see much of the town.”

Penny Myles, 51, of Shaftesbury, Newport, said: “I don’t think it’s benefited anything at all. The people who went to the golf didn’t come to Newport.”

Jane Cole, 59, of Malpas, Newport, said: “I don’t think it made any difference at all. I think the hype was good and it got everyone interested, but then nothing happened here.”

Raymond Myles, of Newport, said: “When they brought the people in on the ship at the time they just went straight on to coaches and off to Cardiff. They did up some places for the tournament, but the city didn’t really benefit.”