The United States Ryder Cup Team has touched down at Cardiff Airport ahead of tee-off on October 1st.

US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin led the US Team down the steps to be greeted by European captain Colin Montgomerie and his wife Gaynor.

Pictured: US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin arrives in Wales

The welcoming party for the United States – the current holders of the trophy following their 2008 victory at Valhalla Golf Club - was joined by the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, the first minister for Wales and Richard Hills, European Ryder Cup director.

Also on the tarmac was Phil Weaver, chairman of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA), John Jermine, chairman of Ryder Cup Wales and Patrick Duffy, managing director of Cardiff Airport.

Pavin walked down the steps cradling the Samuel Ryder’s golden chalice, with the 12 man team set to begin their attempt to retain the trophy this week. 

If successful it will be the United States first Ryder Cup win on European soil since 1993.

World number one Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker stood immediately behind their Captain as the team filed down the steps before being joined by Lisa Pavin and the others wives and partners.

Corey Pavin and Colin Montgomerie gave a brief press conference at Cardiff Airport as the players headed straight to The Celtic Manor Resort to prepare themselves for the first official practice day on Tuesday.

It promises to be an exciting week for the Celtic Manor Resort, with the property nominated as Europe’s Leading Gold & Leisure Resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

The winners are due to be announced at a gala ceremony in Turkey on October 1st.

Take a look at the Breaking Travel News inside scoop on the Celtic Manor Resort here.