In-form Woosnam aims for 'home' success

Posted on 11/06/09. Source: European Tour.com (By Staff writer)

European Seniors Tour - Jersey Seniors Classic
La Moye GC, Channel Islands
12-14 June 2009

Jersey's most famous resident Ian Woosnam returns 'home' to the Channel Island this week for his debut in the Jersey Seniors Classic buoyed by his stunning victory in the Irish Seniors Open in association with Fáilte Ireland and AIB Bank.

The 1991 Masters Tournament Champion, who has lived in Jersey for a number of years now, defeated American Bob Boyd in a play-off at Ballybunion Golf Club last week to capture his third European Senior Tour title having trailed overnight leader Roger Chapman by six strokes.

Welshman Woosnam will have the home support behind him at La Moye Golf Club, where he will hope to join another Jersey resident, Tommy Horton in 1997, as a winner of one of the longest running tournaments on the Senior Tour schedule.

"I am really looking forward to playing in the Jersey Seniors Classic as it will be the first time I have competed in the event," said the former World Number One. "With La Moye as my home course, some traditional Jersey weather and local support it should be a great week.

"I was absolutely thrilled with my win in Ireland. I'd been struggling along since the end of last year, just grinding out on the course, but that win will help me on my way now."

The 2006 Ryder Cup Captain is now second on the Senior Tour Order of Merit and can make some vital ground up on leader Mark James with victory in Jersey as he attempt to retain the John Jacobs Trophy he won as leading Senior Tour player in 2008.

No fewer than seven former winners of the Jersey Seniors Classic are back on the island for the 14th edition of the tournament, including defending champion Tony Johnstone of Zimbabwe, who won his maiden Senior Tour title there 12 months ago.

Johnstone is relishing a return to Jersey after an emotional victory in 2008 following his battle with Multiple Sclerosis, having been told four years previously he would never play golf again.

The 53 year old, who underwent a revolutionary drug programme to return to the game, warmed up for his defence by finishing tied third in Ireland last week.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to going back. I had such a thrill winning last year. I said it at the time that win meant more to me than any because of what I'd been through. I don't think any win has given me more pleasure and personal satisfaction - to know I could do it again having thought I would never do it again.

"I love La Moye. I've heard the rough is tough so I'll be working on the driver. Last year tee to green I was great all year and I led the greens in regulation and second in fairways hit but didn't putt too well and even in Jersey I putted nicely but not great.

"Last week in Ireland was probably the first time in eight years I feel like I really know what I'm doing with the putter. I feel fantastic with it. So the signs are looking good for going back to defend. Once I get confident with the putter I feel unstoppable.

"I think when I first get there (to La Moye) I will feel a lump in the throat but once the gun goes it is the start of the new week and you get going. I'm really looking forward to defending though. I love links golf and La Moye is a fantastic links golf course. They haven't messed about with it over the years like they do with some links courses.
It is great for someone who is not a long hitter but who can control spin and flight and that's my game. If I keep putting as I did last week now you never know. I've been waiting a while to putt like this."

Maurice Bembridge and Horton won the first two editions of the Jersey Seniors Classic and both veterans are back in action along with ex-champions Delroy Cambridge (2002), Jim Rhodes (2004), Guillermo Encina (2006) and Bobby Lincoln (2007).