A HOST of stars from sport and showbiz thrilled bumper crowds in the sunshine as the Celebrity Cup teed off at Celtic Manor Hotel and Resort in Newport yesterday.

Welsh comedian Rob Brydon, rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards and footballer Gareth Bale were among those to represent their nation in the event played between teams of celebrity golfers from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales over two days.

Autographs, selfies and banter were the order of the day as the celebrity players entertained the galleries on a glorious day of sunshine.

Wales, captained by comedian Rob Brydon, took a surprise morning lead but faced a tough task to try to stay top of the table against favourites Scotland in the second round.

The biggest crowds cheered on football superstar Gareth Bale and rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards but they ended up being the only Welsh pairing to be defeated by Ireland.

Bale is used to running out in front of 80,000 fans at Real Madrid’s imposing Bernabeu Stadium but admitted to being more nervous in front of a few thousand golf fans.

“Heading onto the golf course today was a lot more nerve-racking, said Bale.

“I’m completely out of my comfort zone but it’s really good fun. I was a little bit nervous stood there on the first tee but I actually hit a really great shot and then couldn’t find my ball!

 

“I’ve been playing with Sir Gareth Edwards, which has been great. To play with such a legend was an honour. The tournament has been great but I don’t think you’ll see me on the PGA tour anytime soon.”

Among the stars in the competition were actor Phil Glenister, best known for his portrayal of tough cop Gene Hunt in Life on Mars, TV presenters Gethin Jones, Vernon Kay and Ben Shephard, Irish singers Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.

Scotland were narrow victors by a single hole over England in the morning’s other match. With two of the three games tied at the finish, legendary Liverpool footballers Kenny Dalglish and Celebrity Cup skipper Alan Hansen pipped Rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall and Zoe Hardman to make the difference.

All four teams can still reach the final as the round robin matches conclude when Scotland meet Ireland and Wales play England on Sunday morning. The final and third place play-off follow this afternoon.