Celtic Manor Resort is preparing to host the final day of the 38th Ryder Cup, as the competition moves into a fourth day for the first time.

Following rain delays over the first three days, the Welsh golf course will see competitors from Europe and the United States battle it out for the prize.

Pictured: The Molinari brothers celebrate their win

Europe holds a slender advantage over the United States, taking a 9½ - 6½ lead into the final day.

Team Europe need to secure a total of 14½ points to reclaim the title they lost at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky two years ago.

While record attendances at Celtic Manor have been treated to an inspiring show over the first three days of the tournament, organisers fear the Monday finish may hit crowds.

A request for a ‘People’s Monday – with tickets available on the door – has been rejected by Ryder Cup organisers, with only those holding tickets from Sunday allowed access.

George O’Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, explained: “Any Sunday ticket will be accepted on Monday. I think that is the only way this can be done reasonably and fairly.

He added: “We feel for people who have invested their money and their time. We know that if they have to come back and take a day off work they will do so.

The Twenty-Ten Course at Celtic Manor Resort is hosting the event for the first time

Monday Play

The first ever Monday card will comprise of 12 singles matches, with Europe needing to take just five points to claim – what to many is – the biggest prize in golf.

The United States need 7½ points to retain the trophy.

Following a dramatic reversal during Sunday – which saw a shell-shocked Unites States slip from a 6 - 4 lead – European captain Colin Montgomerie said he was delighted with the teams performance.

“All credit to everybody in the Team today – I’ve always said that it takes 12 players to win The Ryder Cup.

“And all 12 on that course today performed brilliantly.

“In the 20 years since I first started playing in The Ryder Cup, I truly believe that that was one of the greatest days for European golf that we’ve ever had. To turn a two point deficit into a three point lead was quite amazing today. 

“All credit to everybody – to stop America winning a match was fantastic.”

Montgomerie reserved special praise for the Molinari brothers, who in the final group kept Europe’s unbeaten record intact by levelling their game with a birdie four on the last hole.

World Travel Awards

It has been a busy week for Celtic Manor, with the location scooping the title of Wales’ Leading Gold Resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Representatives from the course joined other leading lights from the travel industry to celebrate at a gala ceremony in Turkey.

The title marks the fifth time Celtic Manor Resort has been recognised by WTA, with the course awarded the same title in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2009.