http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/tm_headline=trump-linked-to-golf-course-site-next-to-wales--ryder-cup-venue&method=full&objectid=18925552&siteid=50082-name_page.htmlTrump linked to golf course site next to Wales' Ryder Cup venue Apr 19 2007
Sally Williams, Western Mail
DONALD TRUMP is understood to be in the running to build a new golf course near Wales' Ryder Cup venue.
The billionaire is said to be interested in buying the most sought- after piece of land in Wales, bordering the Celtic Manor resort.
If Mr Trump does acquire it, he has the potential to create his own Welsh Trump International Golf Links right next door to the site of the global golfing event in 2010.
RE/MAX Associates estate agents said an "unnamed but well-known Manhattan property investor" had asked for particulars about the 31-acre prime development site, offering views of the Ryder Cup golf course.
Sean McMahon, of RE/MAX Associates, said he could not disclose further details of the anonymous Manhattan tycoon because of a forthcoming confidentiality agreement.
But he confirmed that the high-profile person is "big in property" and is just one of a "handful of well-known people" amid an unprecedented level of inquiries both locally and internationally.
It makes sense for Mr Trump to be interested in the site. He already has plans for a £1bn Trump International Golf Links on the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Scottish enterprise chiefs there say it will be the biggest thing to hit their economy since oil was discovered in the North Sea four decades ago.
The fate of Trump's Scottish golfing dream will be decided later this summer but his potential Welsh venture could be sealed sooner.
Mr McMahon said the mixture of picturesque woodland and farmland near Celtic Manor could make another great golf course. He said, "The Ryder Cup effect is in full force and this property gives an investor a 'piggy back ride' on the back of it.
"This property was bought in the hope that the Ryder Cup would come to Newport and any developer will have a few years to get it ready for the 2010 event.
The land - and there's a lot of it - borders Celtic Manor and from it, you can see on to the golf course.
"Within 24 hours of listing the particulars, we have been approached by a wide range of potential investors from Dubai, Spain, Dublin and Belfast.
"The potential for the land is endless - it could be used for anything from a golf course and mini golf, to equestrian eventing or holiday log cabins.
"All interested parties have seen the potential for this site, whether their plans include residential development or for commercial property.
"As one of the world's largest estate agencies, with offices in 63 countries worldwide, we have seen significant interest from overseas.
"For example in our Los Angeles office, Nicolas Cage and Bette Midler are on our database.
"We advertise in the Wall Street Journal and Unique Homes, a magazine read by Arnold Schwarzenegger - some big people."
He said the plot, to be sold by private treaty, is situated close to the Celtic Manor resort on the western side of the A449, north of Coldra roundabout at junction 24 of the M4. The land is outside the settlement boundary, in the area identified in Newport's Unitary Development Plan as "greenwedge".
Mr McMahon added, "This means there will be no 100-room hotels on the site but there are still lots of options."
With a Grade II-listed 17th-century priory farmhouse and two barns, one of which is Grade II-listed and dates back to the 19th century, the buildings sit within a site of 31.28 acres of agricultural and woodland.
There is currently no specific planning permission for the renovation of the buildings. However the intent of the current owner was to renovate the farmhouse to provide a detached three-bedroom dwelling.
In addition the proposals were for the two barns to be converted to provide a single L-shaped dwelling with three bedrooms.