Walton lands Celtic Manor invite

Philip Walton will make a rare European Tour appearance at Celtic Manor next week.

The hero of the 1995 Ryder Cup has secured a sponsor’s invitation to play in the Wales Open – his first European Tour start since he missed the cut in last year’s Irish Open at Baltray.

Walton, who celebrated his 48th birthday on March 28, lost his European Tour card in 1999.

The three-time European Tour winner regained it briefly in 2004 but has since played mainly on the Irish regional circuit.

He is joined in Wales by former Celtic Manor winner Paul McGinley, Irish Open champion Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke, Peter Lawrie, Damien McGrane, Simon Thornton and Gary Murphy.