BRIAN Huggett, one of the most dynamic forces in Welsh golf over the past half-century, has been appointed by the European Ryder Cup Board to be their ambassador in Wales as the country prepares to host the 2010 contest at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Only three Welsh golfers have captained Ryder Cup teams - the late Dai Rees, current incumbent Ian Woosnam, and Huggett, who is regarded as one of the most successful Welsh golfers of all time.

The Ross-on-Wye-based international was also a leading member of the bidding team which spearheaded the submission to take the Ryder Cup to Wales.

This new role will involve representing the Ryder Cup Board at public events and advising on the progress of the preparations for staging compeition over the next six years. He will work alongside the board's public relations agency in Wales, Freshwater UK, who have headquarters in Cardiff.

"Brian is the ideal person to act as our ambassador," said European Ryder Cup director Richard Hills. "He is highly regarded in Wales, his knowledge of the Ryder Cup is second to none, and his playing record speaks for itself. Brian's brief will be to work closely with our partners - Ryder Cup Wales and the Celtic Manor Resort - to ensure that the 2010 Ryder Cup is a huge success and a credit to the host nation."

Huggett said: "I am totally committed to helping Wales get everything right for 2010.

"I think people are only just beginning to realise what a big thing it is to be hosting the world's third largest sporting event and appreciate the boost it is giving to golf development, tourism and the economy.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to establish Wales as a premier golfing nation. We need to grasp it with both hands."