Europe
Profile: Ian Woosnam (capt)
| Born | Oswestry, Wales |
|---|---|
| age | 46 |
| height | 5ft 5in |
| Turned Pro | 1976 |
| World ranking | 292 |
| Appearances | (8) 1983-85-87-89-91-93-95-97 |
| Won | Lost | Halved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Foursomes | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Fourball | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| Total | 14 | 12 | 5 |
| Win Rate | 53% |
Ian Woosnam is one of the most popular and respected players on tour so it's hardly surprising his glittering career is capped with the honour of captaining the European side. Perhaps the only morsel of surprise is that his turn wasn't held back until 2010 when staged in his native Wales at Celtic Manor.
What might be Wales' loss in four years time is Ireland's gain this time around because, flanked by Ireland's very own Des Smyth in the role of vice-captain, the pair make a charismatic and formidable leadership.
Woosnam might only be 5”4' in height but he walks tall among his peers for he is one of few who can boast they once dominated their sport and held the number one spot in the world rankings. And he is of course a major winner after realising his childhood dream by winning the US Masters in 1991.
His crouching fist-pump in those check-red pants – reminiscent of a matador - after holing the winning putt is an iconic image in the sport. It also book-ended a neat purple patch of European dominance at Augusta after Sandy Lyle won in 1988, Nick Faldo the next two years, followed by Woosnam.
"When I was a ten year old at Llanmynech I dreamed of having a putt to win the Masters,” said Woosnam. “I lived for that moment, that one moment in time. It was very, very special."
Affectionately known as Woosie, the 48-year-old has won 44 tournaments worldwide and been on no less than eight Ryder Cup sides, running consecutively from his debut 1983 to his last in 1997.
During that time he was on the winning side four times ('85, '87, '95 and '97) with one of the most satisfying surely coming in 1987 when, under the captaincy of Tony Jacklin for the third time, Europe beat Jack Nicklaus' American side on their own turf at Muirfield Village in Ohio.
Woosie has a fine playing record having played in 31 matches in which he won 14, halved five and lost 12.
A gutsy competitor throughout his career, Woosie will expect no less from his team.
- Paul Gallagher