Ian Woosnam is thrilled his homeland of Wales is once again showcasing itself to a global audience as Royal Porthcawl plays host to the Senior Open Presented by Rolex.
The historic South Wales links venue is hosting Europe’s only senior Major Championship for a third time this week, having welcomed the event in 2014 and 2017.
Wales hosted its first ever Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in 2010 and 1991 Masters Champion Woosnam is hopeful the presence of icons of the game can help reinforce its reputation as a world-class golfing destination.
“It is always great to have a Major in Wales,” he said. “We have had the Ryder Cup, been here a couple of times. It is a great spot.
“We have some fantastic golf courses and hopefully people will come to spend more time here.
“It is a lovely area. It is right on the sea and it is a beautiful part of the world.”
Woosnam – Wales’ most successful golfer of all time – is joined by a host of fellow Major winners including defending champion Darren Clarke, Pádraig Harrington and Bernhard Langer, who has won on both previous occasions to Royal Porthcawl.
Conditions were favourable for practice on Tuesday, but rain is forecasted for the rest of the week and Woosnam knows more than most that will increase the challenge the course poses for the field.
“It all depends on where the wind is blowing from,” he said.
“If it is blowing off the sea it is very difficult, especially when you are playing the second, third and fourth. They are tricky holes.
“Let’s hope the rain does go over a little bit. Yesterday was a really good day. You are not going to get it like that again."
Woosnam has missed just one cut in his 13 appearances in The Senior Open but is not putting too much pressure on himself as he targets his seventh victory – and first since 2014 – in over-50s golf.
“I don’t play much golf these days,” he said.
“It is more of a challenge getting around walking, rather than playing golf. I’ll try my best and see what I can do.”
