RYDER Cup hero Colin Montgomerie is return ing to Newport for the £1.5million Celtic Manor Wales Open in June.

Monty, who nailed the putt that won Europe the Ryder Cup on American soil last September, returns to the event that turned round his season last year.

He finished a credible 15th after three rounds of 67,68,69 and a final 74, during a period when his private and golfing life was crumbling around him.

The Scot was in the hunt going into the last day but eventually lost out to Simon Khan, who edged out another Ryder Cup winner Paul Casey, in a dramatic play-off.

Monty will be especially keen to get used to the Celtic Manor surroundings as he is hotly tipped to be the Ryder Cup captain when one of golf's most popular events comes to Newport in 2010.

Due to the preparations for 2010, this year's tournament will be held on the Roman Road course as refurbishment work on the Wentwood Hills layout is well underway.

The Wales Open has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2000 and is now among the top events on the European Tour and last year's attendances broke all previous records.

It tees off on June 2 and many other top names are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.