Ian Woosnam claims maiden Champions Tour victory
Monday 4 May 2015 14:18, UK
Ian Woosnam holed out from 30 feet in Texas to secure his maiden title on the Champions Tour.
The 57-year-old Welshman beat Kenny Perry and Tom Lehman in a play-off to win the Insperity Invitational at Woodlands Country Club.
On the only extra hole, the par-four 18th, Lehman sliced his approach into water, Perry left a long birdie attempt eight-foot short before Woosnam rolled in the tournament-winning birdie from all of 30 feet.
Woosnam had earlier closed with a bogey-free, four-under-par 68, while Lehman posted a 69 and Perry had a 66 after completing his round with three straight birdies.
Overnight leader Michael Allen covered the final eight holes in two over par to miss the play-off by a single shot, as he carded a 72.
Woosnam, the Masters champion from 1991, was competing in his 36th Champions Tour event and collected $307,500 for his efforts.
A delighted Woosie said afterwards: "I knew my game was coming around, so I was a little bit disappointed at the beginning of the week that I was struggling with a bad back.
"But I managed to dig in and grind through it. I feel like I'm getting a bit too old to go through the pain but it paid off and I felt a lot better today. I played some great golf and I was fortunate to hole that long putt."
As for playing on the Champions Tour, he added: "I've been wanting to play. I was exempt for a couple of years but I wanted to be with my family and everything.
"But now kids are growing up more and I can spend a bit more time over here. It's a great Tour and it's a pleasure to be here and I'm thankful for the sponsors to give me the invites and, hopefully, I've paid them off."
