RYDER Cup captain Jose Maria Olazábal is delighted to be at the Celtic Manor for the Wales Open, the event that “all the Welsh players want to win more than any other”.

Two-time Green Jacket winner Olazabal, an assistant to Colin Montgomerie at the 2010 Ryder Cup in Newport, will lead Europe to America this autumn as they bid to retain their title.

But first up is a first appearance in Newport at the ISPS Wales Open and veteran Olazabal is determined to compete at the top of the field.

“Obviously it is great to be here, it’s a big event, a great golf course.

“Conditions are pretty good; the golf course is playing firm and fast. I am delighted to be here, I have wonderful memories from two years ago and I am looking forward to trying to play some decent golf.”

Olazabal is paired with Paul Lawrie and believes the 1999 Open winner has all but confirmed his place in the Ryder Cup after his second placed finish at Went-worth last week.

“If he plays just decent golf from now on, I am sure he will be on the team,” he said. “His character on the golf course is pretty good. He’s always been a steady player... and now he’s got the confidence back.”

The Wales Open features a record low of players from the Principality with only nine Welshman (three amateurs), but all of the players will prioritise the competition over all others according to Jamie Donaldson.

He will lead the Welsh charge with the likes of Gwent’s Bradley Dredge and Phillip Price and former World Cup stars Rhys Davies and Stephen Dodd, and Donaldson insists this is the week for the home players.

“I would say that it is the tournament the Welsh players most want to win besides the majors, I would absolutely love to win here,” he said.

“It would be especially fantastic to win here. The support we get is amazing, the more the better. Last year (Donaldson in contention to win) it was pretty good with all the supporters and stuff. It’s just great to come back to Wales and play in front of a home crowd.

“It’s just great coming back... It feels like home. It is particularly special to win your home Open.

“We know the crowd are desperate for a Welsh winner, everyone’s looking forward to trying to do it.”