The former world number one and victorious
2006 Ryder Cup captain has struggled with back problems in recent times, and
though he managed a top-20 finish in the Senior Open at Walton Heath over the
weekend, he has confessed that he has started to consider calling an end to his
career.
in 1991, suffers spondylitis, a disease
that causes inflammation of the joints between the spinal bones and the joints
between the spine and pelvis, and requires a weekly injection just to be able
to play.
, so I would have ended up giving up," he said.
"The injection keeps me flexible and my back feels pretty good but I
wouldn't want to go on playing past 60.
and see how the back is. As it is, my back is a bit better and I'm
enjoying it a little bit more as well."
Despite his health issues, the Welshman secured victory at the Berenberg
Bank Masters in Germany in
June - his first victory in two years, proving that he is still more than able
to compete at the level required.
As he approaches the end of his career, however, Woosnam admits that
winning is no longer foremost in his mind.
"A lot of me playing now is about enjoying it.
in, the ones which I feel are convenient.
cameron newport now as if I am going away with the boys and
having a bit of fun.
"And if I play well, I play well and if I don't play well then I
don't worry about it too much."