Last updated 09:06, Friday, 22 August 2008

RYDER Cup legend Ian Woosnam admitted he was relying on his caddie more than usual when he embarked on his bid to win the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship at Slaley Hall yesterday.

Ready for action: Ian Woosnam on the steps of Slaley Hall Golf Club. D3408103

The former world number one and US Masters champion revealed he’s only ever been to the Tynedale once before – to attend the wedding of Ian Botham’s son, Liam.

But Woosnam, who played the Dave Thomas-designed Hunting Course for the first time in Wednesday’s pro-am, had no fears about his prospects and was looking forward to the challenge – with the help of his caddy Lee Adelly.

“I’ve only been here once – and I didn’t play,” he said. “I came to Beefy’s son’s wedding in 1997 and the reason I remember is because I went from here to the Ryder Cup in Valderrama.

“If it rains again I could be going in blind but my caddie’s been here a few times so that helps.

“ Sometimes you come to a new venue and ideally you need a couple of rounds but one is usually enough.”

Woosnam hasn’t picked up a club since competing in the US Seniors Championship two weeks ago but is happy with his form on the European Seniors Tour which has netted him wins in the Russian and Polish Opens and taken him to the top of the Order of Merit, ahead of Bernhard Langer.

“I’ve had two wins, played well to win the Polish Open and it would be nice to try and win another one before the end of the season,” said Woosnam on the eve of the £300,000 event.

“I won the PGA Championship on the main tour and the idea is to try and win all the big events if you possibly can.”

Woosnam, who had defending champion Carl Mason in his sights after being drawn together in the first round, is enjoying his golf and revealed he would love to play more in Europe.

Gordon Brand Junior, who is making his Seniors Tour debut following his 50th birthday on Tuesday, was drawn alongside former Ryder Cup team-mate Sam Torrance.