Woosie worries over Welsh events

Former world No.1 Ian Woosnam is concerned over the future of golf events in Wales

Former European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam has revealed his concern that he may have played his final event in Wales.
The 1991 Masters champion finished in a share of 36th place at the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open at Royal Porthcawl last weekend, however, as the Ryder Cup Wales sponsorship of the event is due to end after the Ryder Cup in October, the former world No.1 is concerned for the future of golf tournaments in his homeland.
“This could have been the last chance Welsh fans will have to see me play at first hand,” he said. “It would be a shame is this year’s Wales Seniors event was the final one. They have been sponsoring it for eight years and I do hope it stays with some sort of sponsorship – even if it may not be the same amount of money.”
Ryder Cup Wales have sponsored and run the event, won this year by John Bland, since 2003, with the exception of 2006.
Royal Porthcawl has hosted the last two events but as 2010 Ryder Cup Wales Limited will cease to exist once Wales stages its first Ryder Cup between 1-3 October, it will no longer be able to run the seniors, ladies or Challenge Tour events.
No 2011 venue or dates have been set for any of the golf tournaments regularly staged in Wales – except the main Wales Open, staged on the 2010 Ryder Cup’s host course, as the Celtic Manor’s contract with the European Tour runs until 2014.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered