Woosnam's cup delight

Woosie captained his European team to an 18.5-9.5 mauling of the Americans and immediately dedicated the triumph to the memory of star player Darren Clarke's wife Heather, who died of cancer just weeks before the tournament.

Clarke - who broke down in tears as victory was secured - said Woosnam had been a wonderfully supportive captain.

There was widespread delight for Woosie across Shropshire and Mid Wales today.

Woosnam began as a junior at Llanymynech Golf Club and still holds the professional course record, of 65, at the club. Howard Jones, secretary of Llanymynech Golf Club said members were delighted with the result.

He said: "We spoke to Ian Woosnam yesterday directly. Our club professional Andy Griffiths knows him personally and he spoke to him and congratulated him.

Woosnam and his wife, Glendryth, teenage sweethearts from St Martins, helped lead amazing scenes of celebration. Woosnam, gulping down champagne after embracing Darren Clarke and then congratulating every member of undoubtedly the strongest European side in history, said it was the highlight of his career.

He said: "I'm very emotional. I just can't say enough about my team. They have played absolutely fantastic. The crowd have been fantastic too and I just want to thank them.

"I don't think the atmosphere has been this good before. I knew before it was going to be loud, but I didn't think it was going to be as good as this."

Woosnam and his wife lived in Oswestry for years and town council clerk, David Preston, said: "This has brought more recognition for Oswestry. Woosie has always been proud of his roots."

By Sue Austin and Suzanne Roberts

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