4 things you don't know about Chris Wood

Here's the lowdown on Lyoness Open winner Chris Wood

Chris Wood with the Lyoness Open title. Credit: Paul Thomas (Getty Images)
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The Englishman came from behind to win on the European Tour on Sunday.

If you don't know who Chris Wood is, you will now.

The Bristolian has become a strong player on the European Tour and somewhat of a household name. His first win came back in 2013 at the Qatar Masters, finishing one shot ahead of George Coetzee and Sergio Garcia.

On Sunday, he secured his second win, overtaking Gregory Bourdy and Rafa Cabrera-Bello to take home the trophy at the Lyoness Open.

As he continues to grow in stature in the game, here are four things we think you ought to know about him.

 

1. He's a tall, tall man.

If your ball gets stuck in the branches of a tree, you'd better hope your playing partner is Wood.

At 6ft 6in, Wood is also as good a ball striker as anyone. Television commentators compared him to Nick Faldo during the final round on Sunday and the man himself even congratulated him on Twitter.

2. He supports Bristol City

Wood posted a picture online last week showing one of his golf balls marked 'Rovers No1 in Bristol'.

The golfer joked it was a "sackable offence".

Given his height and his capability with a golf club, whoever did it was making a very bold move indeed.

3. He finished T5 as an amateur at the Open

In 2008, Wood played the Open at Royal Birkdale as an amateur. For some that's more than enough to pass as an anecdote on a rainy Sunday.

He wasn't settling for just the kudos of playing the event, though.

He finished in a tie for fifth with Jim Furyk, shooting a 70 in round two that was lower than anything Furyk managed.

4. He hit a hole-in-one at the BMW PGA Championship

This one you might remember.

Last month, Wood launched a 7 iron on the 178-yard 14th at Wentworth that ended up in the cup.

Playing partner Shane Lowry seemed more excited than Wood himself, but he made sure he climbed into the car to celebrate.

Will Medlock
Will Medlock graduated from UEA with a degree in Film and Television before completing a Masters in Sports Journalism at St Mary's in London. Will has had work published by The Independent and the Rugby Paper.