Fuente: © PGA (Professional Golfers' Association)
http://www.pga.info/

GOLF: PGA: New Dawn for Woosie

/noticias.info/ Welshman Ian Woosnam celebrated a milestone in life last Sunday when he reached his half-century.

Having turned 50 'Woosie' will embark on a new journey in his career as he takes to the seniors' circuit.

The 5ft 5in former Ryder Cup captain will pit his wits against the likes of Carl Mason and Sam Torrance when he plays his first event - this week's DGM Barbados Open.

It will be a relief for Woosnam who, over the past year, wondered if he'd ever be fit enough to play again.

Some days it was touch and go if he'd even be able to get out of bed after being diagnosed with post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome, more commonly known as ME.

"The thing was I didn't know what it was. I feared it was my back," said Woosnam who has suffered from ankylosin spondylitis since 1987.

The Barbados Open will be like playing in his home tournament for Woosnam, who spends much of his time on the Caribbean island, making it the ideal place to start a new chapter in his career.

After playing at Royal Westmoreland he will take to the American Champions Tour, where he plans to play in 15 of his 22 events this year.

And Woosie is relishing the chance to pit his wits on a circuit that last year saw the leading money winner pocket more than $2.5m.

"It's like a pension really, but the main thing is to enjoy myself because I haven't done that in the past few years," added Woosnam.

"It's hard work competing against the youngsters these days. They don't shape the ball any more. You don't see them hitting fades and draws. They just aim straight and wallop it as hard as they can. It's all about power.

"You don't want to wish your life away, but I have been looking forward to this for five years. It would be nice to feel like I can win again. I don't know when I last had that feeling." notas_de_prensa_archivo