Ian Woosnam will go back to the old school this week as he bids to win the Speedy Services Wales Senior Open over the classic links of Royal Porthcawl.
The Welsh legend believes that, for all its benefits, modern-day technology in golf cannot combat the unique shot-making challenges posed by one of Britain’s toughest and most wind-swept seaside venues.
Speaking as a 35 mile an hour wind tore of the Atlantic and straight up the first fairway at Royal Porthcawl, Woosnam said: “With this week in mind, I have actually been practicing for the last few weeks with a one iron, or driving iron as they call it nowadays.
“Porthcawl is a brilliant test of shot-making and the conditions here can sometimes make the modern technology hard to use. The modern equipment in golf is amazing, but none of those clubs can help you keep the ball low to the ground into a 30 mile an hour wind.
“Sometimes the modern equipment can be difficult for the older players to use. I like to shape the ball and it is becoming more and more difficult to do that.”
Despite the intimidating conditions, Woosnam, who finished third in last week’s PGA Seniors Championship, is clearly relishing being back in the 'Land of his Fathers'.
“It’s always great come home and I am really looking forward to this week,” said the 1991 Masters Champion, who is looking to add a fifth Senior Tour title to his CV this week.
“My game is in pretty good shape and the most important thing is that I am enjoying the game again and I hope that continues this week.
“I love Porthcawl and the way you need to play the course. It is the kind of course that you have to play like a jigsaw: you have to put yourself in the right position for the next shot all the time, because if you are playing from the wrong spot, or the rough, then you have no chance.”
Woosnam will not only have to overcome the might of Royal Porthcawl to take home the lion’s share of the £250,000 prize fund, he will also have to best a field that includes many of the Senior Tour’s finest including defending champion Barry Lane, former Ryder Cup Captain Mark James, the Tour’s most prolific winner Carl Mason and 2011 Order of Merit winner Peter Fowler.
Entry to the Speedy Services Wales Senior Open from June 14-16 is free of charge to the general public, with car parking priced at just £5.
