More than £500,000 has been allocated from the Ryder Cup Wales Legacy Fund for investment in grassroots schemes across Wales.

The Legacy Fund is a £2m scheme which is run by the Sports Council for Wales and is designed to maximise the impact of the 2010 Ryder Cup – which will be held at the Celtic Manor resort – by encouraging greater participation and making the sport more accessible to children.

More than £148,000 has been grant to the Gnoll County Park nine hole par three facility, which will be made more suitable for junior golf. Five new greens will be created with artificial tees.

Newport Council has secured £120,000 for the development of a nine hole junior course at the Caerleon Golf Club, with pitching and putting area.

Aberystwyth Golf Club is building a new five hole par three course and space saving driving range with its £118,000 grant, to help reduce drop out among young players who cannot tackle the full size course.

A pitch and putt course is to be built, and one upgraded, by Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council. The £110,000 investment will enable a new development in Aberdare and the construction of more challenging holes at the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park course.

Welsh sports minister Alan Pugh said: "We are creating more opportunities for people across Wales to take part in the game.

"Physical activity is key to a healthy lifestyle and these projects, along with the further ones we hope to announce shortly, will help make it easier for people across Wales of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy sport."