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Ian Woosnam: talking exclusively to Golf Night

It's going to take a little bit of time to get into it - I've just got to be patient.

Ian Woosnam on his return after a year out
Quotes of the week

Ian Woosnam spoke to Golf Night about his return to the game after suffering from ME and a back injury.

The Welshman missed most of last year due to a viral complaint and back problems but he is back on the Champions Tour.

Golf Night caught up with Europe's 2006 Ryder Cup captain on the Champions Tour.

He told Golf Night: "I had been playing and practising for six weeks or so and then I picked up an injury just before the Barbados Open and I had to be strapped up.

"But finishing fifth I was quite happy with. I had one bad hole, the seventh on the first day - a triple bogey.

"And I missed a few putts but everybody misses a few putts. A little bit nervous but I'm happy with that start anyway.

Confidence

"I think the main thing is my driving - that's a little bit erratic. I just want to stand up there with a bit of confidence.

"I drive the ball beautifully in practice but as soon as I get a bit of pressure on me I tend to guide it a bit too much

"I need to stand up, believe in myself and hit it straight. I think because I haven't played in a while I have a little bit of a lack of confidence.

"It's going to take a little bit of time to get into it - I've just got to be patient and my goals are to finish in the top 30 and make sure I'm exempt for next year."

Woosnam has battled through ME and although he is back on the course, he still has aches and pains, but the 1991 Masters champion is determined to play in this year's tournament.

"The problem has been chronic fatigue syndrome - ME. It's taken my energy away and can be depressing at times.

"It's made my body ache and muscles tight. I've had three months of physiotherapy.

"But on the Champions Tour we can get out here and drive around on a cart, so that's a big benefit.

"I've got the Masters in a couple of weeks' time, I was very disappointed I couldn't play in it last year. My goal is to enjoy myself these next two weeks and then play in the Masters."