Roman Road at Celtic Manor Resort

The Roman Road course at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales, opened in 1995 as part of Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s work at the property. Jones, who was in his late eighties at the time of design, created this layout on rolling parkland terrain that characterizes the Usk Valley landscape of South Wales. The course takes its name from the ancient Roman road that once ran through the area, reflecting the region's historical significance as a frontier zone during the Roman occupation of Britain.

The routing moves through mature woodland and open meadowland, with elevation changes that provide views across the valley toward the Severn Estuary. Jones employed his characteristic design principles here: wide fairways that reward strategic positioning, large greens with subtle internal contours, and bunkering that frames landing areas and green complexes. Water features come into play on several holes, typical of Jones's approach to creating visual drama and strategic options. The course measures over 6,700 yards from the championship tees and presents a parkland test that differs from the more exposed links-style conditions found along the Welsh coast.

Roman Road served as one of Celtic Manor's primary courses before the resort expanded to include the Twenty Ten course, which was purpose-built for the 2010 Ryder Cup. The layout remains part of the resort's multi-course offering, providing visitors with a traditional parkland experience designed by one of the twentieth century's most prolific golf course architects.