European Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam was honoured for his outstanding contribution to golf with the PGA Recognition Award at the PGA Annual Luncheon held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane. The 47 year old Welshman was presented with the Award by Beverly Lewis, the Captain of the PGA in 2005.
Woosnam, who has won 44 titles worldwide in an illustrious career with the highlight being his famous victory in the 1991 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, has been a mainstay of The European Tour for over three decades and topped the Order of Merit in both 1987 and 1990.
In 2001, Woosnam became the first player to capture the HSBC World Match Play Championship in three decades and, at 43, also became the oldest winner after beating Padraig Harrington in an epic final. He was Vice Captain to Sam Torrance during Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at The De Vere Belfry in 2002 and, in 2005, he celebrated his 27th successive year on Tour.
Woosnam picked up the award in front of 1000 guests at the PGA’s annual event which also helps raise money for its Benevolent Fund. Special mention was also given to the PGA Cup winning team of Great Britain and Ireland, who reclaimed the Llandudno Trophy from America after a gap of 21 years.
PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones, said: “It was not a difficult decision to award the 2005 Recognition Award to Ian. As Ryder Cup Captain, he is eagerly looking forward to defending the trophy at The K Club but more importantly than that he is a legend in the annals of British golf. Ian is a determined competitor and the PGA is proud to recognise his achievements.”
