Leading Specialists for Golf in Ireland

June 2009

Ian Woosnam's love affair with this country continued at Ballybunion Golf Links yesterday when he captured the €52,500 first prize in the AIB Irish Seniors Open, after a dramatic three hole play off against American Bob Boyd. The 51-year-old Welshman captured the Irish Open at Portmarnock in 1988 / 89 and led Europe to a famous victory over the Americans in the Ryder Cup at the K Club in 2006.

Woosnam was by no means the final days only hero for his 70-year-old bagman, "Small Sean" Walsh played a major part in his success as he out his 50 years experience of caddying at the venue to invaluable use. Woosnam quoted "Small Sean has worked hard all week and he gave me the perfect read for the winning putt, just on the inside right. I couldn't have an easier putt. I am absolutely thrilled".

Woosnam was coasting along nicely and knew he was really in the running when picking up his second birdie of the day at the short 8th. A bogey at the 11th didn't halt his march and further gains followed at the 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th that saw him home in 32 for a round of 67 and tied with Boyd. When the American bunkered his approach first time round in the play off, it looked a done deal for the Welshman but Boyd judged his 15 foot putt to perfection and rolled it into the centre of the cup for a half. At the second time of asking the American again demonstrated his skill with the putter by knocking a 40 footer stone dead for a cast iron four.

Woosnam again seemed to have closed the door when he drew a superb six iron off the bank on the right to within four feet but Boyd still wasn't done for as he left his second shot ten feet short. This time, though his birdie putt was well off line and after consulting with his caddie, Woosnam confidently knocked in the winning putt, and the rest is history!!