Ian Woosnam calls it quits in Masters

Twenty-five years after becoming the only Welsh winner, Ian Woosnam has bid his farewell to The Masters.

Ian Woosnam tees off at the third in his second round at Augusta National. Picture: Getty Images

The 58-year-old announced his decision after struggling his way to rounds of 82 and 81 on his 28th appearance at Augusta National.

“That’s my last go,” declared Woosnam, who produced one of the event’s iconic celebrations in 1991 as he went down on one knee and let out a huge roar as he punched the air in delight.

“I am not fit enough to play with my bad back. I have ankylosing spondylitis and I can’t play with all the slopes here.”

The former Ryder Cup captain has only made one cut in his last 14 appearances, having made 12 in a row prior to that.

“Every time I play this course it just seizes on me, and can’t swing the club properly. I am in pain all the way round so it’s time to say bye-bye really,” he added.

“There’s not much they can do. I was swinging it beautiful before I came here. I am always taking pain killers just to play golf but it’s just too tough here for me.

“I said in the past that if started shooting in the 80s I would call it a day. I am in just in pain all the way round and you can’t expect to play well.”

Woosnam was accompanied once again here by DJ Russell, his great friend and partner in a golf course design company.

“It’s time for me to sit back and watch,” he said. “I’ll still keep coming to the tournament obviously.

“It’s a shame to finish off playing like that but you can only do your best. Never mind, I’ve still got a Green Jacket.”