Though a deal on the 2009 Ryder Cup has yet to be finalised, it seems that the worst fears of the Scots are being realised. The Welsh venue of Celtic Manor enjoys a head start at this stage, largely because of the natural advantage which experienced businessmen have over regional politicians in dealing with such matters.

As a leading Scottish political observer put it to me: "It's in a situation like this that you can appreciate the difference between a sovereign government and a regional parliament. When Ireland were bidding for the Ryder Cup, your minister could make key financial decisions off his own bat. Even since devolution, however, the Scottish purse strings are still held by the chancellor in London."

Now consider the Welsh bid. It is essentially about the determination of wealthy businessman, Terry Matthews, to bring the Ryder Cup to his Wentwood Hills course, designed by Robert Trent Jones jnr and officially opened by former England cricket captain, Tony Lewis, in August 1999. And with the Ryder Cup specifically in mind, planning permission is being sought next month for seven new holes.

One could picture PGA European Tour executive director Ken Schofield sitting down with Matthews, who amassed a fortune from telecommunications as the founder of the Mitel and Newbridge Networks companies. Pending the approval of fellow Scot Sandy Jones in the British PGA, Schofield had a valuable commodity for sale and Matthews wouldn't be baulking at the price, however high.

It was the way the Irish deal for 2005 was done, with the then chairman of Bord Failte Mark Mortell representing the Government in negotiations with Schofield. And when the event was awarded to Ireland, Michael Smurfit stepped centre-stage to make a successful case for The K Club. "He's a tough little businessman," Smurfit later conceded, in admiration of Schofield.

Now we come to timing. With a 31-year-old son, Matthews is in his mid-fifties. In 2009 he will be in his early sixties. But if his bid for 2009 fails, the earliest the event could come to Wales would be in 2017, given that it is virtually certain to go to a continental European country, probably Sweden, in 2013. In 2017, Matthews will be around 70 - and such a long wait would not be an option for a successful businessman.

Schofield's decision to leak his Celtic Manor preference to the Daily Mail last weekend was met with a mixture of surprise and anger from various quarters. In a way, it was highly presumptuous of the European Tour official, given that the PGA will have the casting vote on that particular Ryder Cup staging. But he obviously has faith in the persuasive power of Matthews' millions.

Understandably, Jones of the PGA was not amused. "What I don't understand is why Ken wouldn't discuss it all with me first," he complained. "Shouldn't these things be talked about behind closed doors?"

One might have thought that. But as a Scot, Schofield could see himself on a hiding to nothing regarding the bid of his compatriots. And by airing the matter at this stage, much of the heat will have been taken out of the situation by the time the decision is officially announced in September.

It could, of course, still go to Scotland, with Gleneagles the front runner. But the smart money is now on another celtic venue. And with good reason.

"Lanny doesn't have to worry about offending his friends out here on tour, because he doesn't have any."

- Hal Sutton's bitter reaction to news that former Ryder Cup colleague Lanny Wadkins (right) will be commentating for CBS television at this week's Memorial Tournament.