Ryder Cup Wales has today opened the application process for invitations to play on the 2010 European Challenge Tour.

For the seventh year running Ryder Cup Wales has negotiated invitations specifically for talented young Welsh professional golfers to play in tournaments throughout Europe. With a maximum of 7 invitations available, they offer an invaluable opportunity for the players to improve their rankings and, success on the Challenge Tour will qualify them for the full European Tour.

Ryder Cup Wales, in partnership with the Sports Council for Wales’ Élite Cymru programme and the Golf Union of Wales, have an integrated development programme to help young Welsh golfers and playing on the Challenge Tour is an important part of that initiative.

"Rhys Davies, who is a marvellously talented young man, has shown how to take full advantage of these opportunities with hard work and great dedication," explained John Jermine, Ryder Cup Wales Chairman.

"He was part of the Welsh coaching system established by the Golf Union of Wales with great support from the Sports Council and is a role model for other talented players. Everybody in Wales will enjoy watching his progress on the European Tour in 2010 and we wish him every success. We hope that the Welsh players who are awarded the Ryder Cup Wales invitations to the 2010 Challenge Tour follow his example and enjoy similar success."

In 2009 26 invitations were given to 7 Welsh players, including Rhys who won his first ever victory on the Challenge Tour at the SWALEC Wales Challenge that was held at the Vale Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort, in July.

Rhys followed his Welsh success with another impressive performance in winning the Fred Olsen Challenge de España, on the Canary Islands, in September and finished the year in fourth place in the overall rankings.

"The opportunities secured by Ryder Cup Wales have made a big contribution to my success," commented Davies. "In 2008, straight from the amateur ranks, I did not know quite what to expect. The Challenge Tour invitations I received that year gave me a better understanding of what was required and I put that knowledge into practice during 2009. I was delighted that my first Challenge Tour victory came in Wales and I hope that other players take full advantage of the opportunities on offer."

Philip Carling, Chair of Sports Council for Wales, said: "This is a great example of how the Ryder Cup is benefiting our up and coming golfers. Wales has a proud tradition of golfing success and these invites will help the next generation of household names to make their mark on the world stage."

Players who wish to apply for the Challenge Tour invitations are required to submit an application form, which is now available on request, by emailing Rhys Phillips – rhys.phillips@rydercupwales2010.com. The form can be returned electronically or by post. The deadline for receiving applications is 12noon on Thursday, 21^st January 2010.

In addition, Ryder Cup Wales will, for the first time, be holding a pre-qualifying round for the 2010 SWALEC Wales Challenge with a limited number of spots available. This will be open to eligible Welsh professionals who have not otherwise qualified and will be held on Monday, 23^rd August at the Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort. More information on this will be available in due course.