Ian Woosnam Remembers Masters Victory 30 Years On

Ian Woosnam Remembers Masters Victory 30 Years On

Ian Woosnam 30 Years On
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Matt Cradock
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In 1991, Ian Woosnam claimed the coveted Green Jacket by one shot from José María Olazábal.

Ian Woosnam Remembers Masters Victory 30 Years On

Ian Woosnam celebrates the 30th anniversary of his Masters victory this year, with the Welshman playing in his first competitive event since October 2019.

Woosnam has been plagued with back injuries, stating: "I decided to have a back operation 15 months ago and I've managed to recover pretty good. I'm just looking forward to getting out there and enjoying two more rounds, or hopefully, if it goes well, I can maybe come back for a few more years.

"The goal for the week is to walk around 18 or 36 holes and enjoy it. I just want to try and play the course without being in any pain really, because I've been in pain for the last 20 years playing around here."

Related: Potential First-Time Major Champions At Augusta

This week marks the 30th anniversary of the 63-year-old's victory at Augusta National, his sole Major championship victory.

Ian Woosnam 30 Years On

Ian Woosnam lines up his Putt on the 18th green. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images)

In 1991, Woosnam managed to hold off the duo of José María Olazábal and Tom Watson to win the Green Jacket by just one shot.

Speaking about his victory, the Welshman said: "I remember where I was driving the ball in 1991. On the ninth I actually drove it on the actual walkway and I hit just a sand iron in.

"Then, on 18, I hit it over the (fairway) bunkers. I used to hit the ball such a long way. I still hit the ball pretty long, but these guys hit it miles these days."

Related: How Do You Become A Member Of Augusta National?

Any player to have won a Green Jacket in previous editions of the Masters will receive lifetime exemption to the tournament and, with Woosnam, the emotion of returning to Augusta is enough to keep him coming back.

"To travel here, to feel that I want to play. Normally you usually want to go to a tournament to win, but just to come here, to enjoy it and see the champions, go to the dinner and enjoy it, see the crowds again and just be part of the tournament, it's really nice."

Ian Woosnam 30 Years On

Woosnam during a practice round at the 2021 Masters. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Matt Cradock
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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