'Rookie' Woosnam takes title

Shropshire golfer Ian Woosnam has written another slice of golfing history - despite a back pain curtailing his latest appearance.

Oswestry-born Woosnam collected the European Senior Tour order of merit title yesterday in his rookie season at veteran level.

In doing so, he became the first player to win order of merit titles in Europe on the main and senior tours.

Woosnam finished 2,376 euros ahead of nearest challenger Gordon J Brand, despite being forced to withdraw from the final tournament of the season - the OKI Castell—n Open Espa–a which was won by Sam Torrance - with a back problem after nine holes of his final round yesterday.

"It has been a great season and I'm happy to be back in the record books," Woosnam said.