Last updated 16:25, Friday, 08 August 2008

FORMER US Masters champion and Ryder Cup hero Ian Woosnam is the latest big name to confirm he is to play in the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship at De Vere Slaley Hall later this month.

Welsh wizard: European team captain Ian Woosnam holds the Ryder Cup during the closing ceremony of the Ryder Cup, at the K Club, Co Kildare

It’s only seven years since the Welsh master and former world number one was within a whisker of winning the Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes, only to be scuppered when given a two shot penalty for having too many clubs in his bag.

His finest hour came in 1991, when he tamed the famous Augusta course in Georgia to became the US Masters champion.

The Welsh legend captained Europe to a memorable victory at The K Club against America two years ago.

He also twice won the PGA Championship, in 1988 and 1997, and is now seeking to add the Seniors' version to his trophy haul at Slaley from August 21-24.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to playing in one of the flagship events of the European Seniors’ Tour.

“It always adds something special when you're competing with friends at a great venue.

"I struggled with injury and illness earlier in the season but have overcome those and it's great to be winning again.

“Having been lucky enough to be a two-time winner of the PGA Championship it would be fantastic to add the senior equivalent to my CV."

Woosnam will go into the tournament as one of the hot favourites having taken the European Seniors Tour by storm on his debut season.

The 50-year-old has wins at the Polish and Russian Opens under his belt and also finished second behind Peter Mitchell at the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open to lead the Order of Merit standings with £228,360.

His consistency was reflected in a share of 23rd in last week's US Senior Open alongside Tom Watson and a tie for 13th in the Senior British Open at Royal Troon two weeks ago.

But with rival Bernhard Langer hot on his heels in the Order of Merit, a victory at the Slaley Hall event, which is carrying record prize money of £300,000, could be decisive in helping him win the John Jacobs Trophy for the leading money winner.

Slaley will see Woosnam reunited with four of his 1987 European Ryder Cup team-mates that made history by becoming the first to beat America on US soil - Sam Torrance, Gordon Brand Junior, Jose Rivero and Eamonn Darcy.

The tournament start list also features former Open winner Bob Charles from New Zealand, and the Italian Costantino Rocca.

To see these great players in action call the ticket hotline now and take advantage of the special 2 for 1 ticket offer on (01675) 477812.