Wales - Host Nation for The 2010 Ryder Cup
Ryder Cup 2010
Official Ambassador
Woosnam flies flag for Wales
Ian Woosnam is the official ambassador for Team Wales for The 2010 Ryder Cup.
The victorious European Captain in The 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland was invited to take a leading role by Ryder Cup Wales.
"Winning the bid to host The 2010 Ryder Cup gave Wales the opportunity to tell the world what it has to offer.
"In the early days some people use to ask me where in England was Wales located? Thankfully those questions are a thing of the past and as an official ambassador it's great to be part of the campaign promoting Wales as a golfing and tourist destination.
"I'm not surprised that the enthusiasm of the Welsh bid won the day. From the excitement of that initial announcement, the ideas and opportunities are being developed month by month and it is our job as part of Team Wales to help carry these through. "
IAN WOOSNAM
"The Ryder Cup in Wales is not just a three day golf match in Newport, but a chance to showcase the nation's business, cultural and tourism credentials to the world. Ian is a remarkable ambassador for the country, and as part of Team Wales, he will play an important role in maximising the profile of Wales on a global platform and reinforce our position as an international tourism, golfing and business destination." Andrew Davies, Wales' Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks.
Although his main dwelling is now in Barbados, Ian makes frequent visits home and he likes to play at his home course at Llanymynech. He has a caravan behind the first tee at Aberdovey which he still rates as one his favourite courses.
Did you know...?
He has played in eight Ryder Cups and he is the third Welshman to captain Europe, following in the footsteps of Dai Rees and Brian Huggett.
To date, he is one of only two European Ryder Cup players to claim the maximum four points from the two foursomes and two fourball matches.
He won the Masters Tournament at Augusta National in 1991.
He became the first player to capture the World Match Play Championship in three decades - and, in 2001, at 43, the oldest winner - beating Padraig Harrington in an epic final.
He has represented Wales 17 times in the World Cup of Golf.
His career achievement of 44 professional tournament victories is more than any other contemporary British golfer.
He was the first player to win £1million in a single season.
As a youngster he worked on his Dad's farm and when the work was done he would then be allowed play golf. He puts his strength down to all those years of farm work especially lifting heavy hay bales and driving the tractor as a kid.
As an aspiring golfer, it was tough to make ends meet and he and his mates travelled by camper van playing the EuropeanTour. No exotic menus in those days, staple diet was baked beans and crisps.
As one of the longest hitters on Tour, his simple, rythmical and uncomplicated swing was admired throughout the world. His swing seemed to be effortless, similar to the unwinding of a coiled spring.He is still today one of the finest strikers of an iron club.