Ian Woosnam, known affectionately as Woosie by fans, is one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the game. A driving force in professional golf in the 1980s and 1990s, Woosnam became the first from his era to earn over £1 million in prize money - he did so in a single year. He formed one part of the 'Big Five' alongside, Ballesteros, Faldo, Langer and Lyle who proved dominant in professional golf at the time.
The Shropshire local became one of the finest golfers on the planet, famous for his big hitting and natural control of the ball. Not to mention his fierce competitive streak. He won more tournaments than any other Brit before and after him.
Ian Woosnam won his first Tour at the Swiss Open in 1982, the first of 47 tournament victories throughout his glittering career. Before this, he had been on Tour around the continent in his campervan. He would go on to form a formidable partnership with Sir Nick Faldo, helping to lead the European team to 14 wins and five halves in 31 matches.
In 1991 Woosnam topped the world golf rankings, a position he would hold for 2 weeks shy of a full year. But arguably, at least individually, Woosnam's greatest moment came when he sank an eight-foot putt on the final hole at Augusta National to beat Olazabal and Watson to Masters glory and a coveted green jacket.
In 2006, Woosnam assumed the European Ryder Cup captaincy, a great honour. He would go on to make history, leading the Europeans to a historic 18 ½ - 9 victory over the US. The European team, under Woosnam's leadership won all five sessions and he was resultantly rewarded with an OBE in the New Year's Honour List for his services to golf.
Nicknamed the Peoples' Champion, Ian Woosnam is a golfing ambassador, cherished by fans internationally. The perfect addition to golf days, sports events and corporate engagements, Ian is a speaker capable of offering both insight and entertainment to occasions that will be remembered long after the day itself.
