Woosnam returns to Ireland

Ian Woosnam will make an emotional return to Ireland, the country where he led Europe to a historic Ryder Cup win two years ago, when he tees up at this year’s Irish Seniors Open at Ballyliffin Golf Club, in Co. Donegal, from June 20-22. The Welshman is certain to receive a warm reception from Irish golfing fans after he memorably steered Europe to an unprecedented third consecutive Ryder Cup victory with an 18½-9½ win against the United States at The K Club in 2006. Woosnam’s first appearance in Ireland since The Ryder Cup came at last year’s European Open at The K Club and he has since joined the European Seniors Tour after turning 50 in April, securing his maiden victory when he won the Parkridge Polish Seniors Championship at the start of the month. It was the 1991 Masters Tournament winner’s first strokeplay title since he won the PGA Championship in 1997 and he heads to Ireland keen to add another victory to his long list of career achievements, as he tries to close the gap on Bernhard Langer at the top of the Seniors Tour Order of Merit. Woosnam said: “I always enjoy playing in Ireland. I’ve got lots of friends there and I’m sure it will bring back some great memories for me. Hopefully I will be able to make some more at the Irish Seniors Open. I’m really looking forward to playing in this tournament.” Woosnam is part of the strongest field in the event’s 12 year history, which also includes his Assistant Captain from The K Club, two-time Major winner Sandy Lyle, and his Vice-Captain from 2006, Des Smyth of Ireland. Leading all-time Seniors Tour Career Money winner Carl Mason of England, who lifted the Irish Seniors Open title in 2004, will also compete for the €450,000 prize fund, along with the 2006 winner Sam Torrance. Sir Bob Charles of New Zealand and defending Champion Costantino Rocca of Italy are also in the field. Charles Perring, Deputy Managing Director of the European Seniors Tour, said: “We are delighted that Ian Woosnam will be joining what is already a superb field for the Irish Seniors Open at Ballyliffin Golf Club and I’m sure it will be an emotional occasion for him. “This is the third week in a row that the Seniors Tour has visited a links course following on from La Moye Golf Club and Conwy (Caernarvonshire) Golf Course and I’m sure that we’ll have another exhilarating week of golf over one of Ireland’s finest links courses.” Ballyliffin Golf Club in Co. Donegal, which was officially opened in 1947, has two courses: the more recent Glashedy Links, unveiled in 1995, and the Old Links, which will be used for the Irish Seniors Open. Tickets for the Irish Seniors Open can be purchased at the course on a daily basis. They are priced at €10 for a daily ticket, or €20 for a season ticket. Admission is free to under 18s. AIB Bank card holders will receive a discount of 50% off the ticket price when purchased on the gate on presentation of an AIB banking card.