Woosnam awarded trophy that commemorates former PGA Captain

Ian Woosnam has added a trophy named after a PGA Professional who helped him on the road to golfing glory to his collection of honours.

The 1991 Masters champion and victorious 2006 Ryder Cup captain has been awarded the John Barnett Memorial Trophy for his services to Welsh golf.

Barnett captained the Association from 1997-99, was head professional at Royal St David’s, Harlech, for many years and a true supporter of professional golf in Wales.

The trophy in his memory was instigated by Peter Johnson, another champion of Welsh golf and PGA Professional who played a major role in developing the Vale Resort when he was director of golf.

He was at The Belfry to present the award to Woosnam who, as well as flying the flag for Wales throughout his stellar career, won the Welsh National PGA Championship in 1988 and is the only Welshman to win a major.

Royal St David’s was a regular haunt where Woosnam honed the skills that resulted in him becoming the World number one for 50 weeks and clocking up a half century of professional wins.

“I spent a lot of time there when I was a junior,” he recalled. “We used to go up there a lot in the winter when I lived in Oswestry.

“We had some good times up there and had a lot of fun. He was a good man and a lot of help to me. I’m very honoured to receive the award named after him.”

Woosnam was en route to Nailcote Hall near Coventry to play in this week’s Farmfoods British Par Three Championship when he stopped off at The Belfry to collect the award.

“I dropped by here to receive the award and am heading there for some practice before it starts,” he added.

“It’s a great event. I’ve played in it for the past 10 years and it’s a good chance to catch up with some friends – Peter Baker and DJ (Russell). I’m not too worried about my score, it’s a couple of fun days.”

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