Woosie - Ian Woosnam

One of the most powerful and popular players of his generation, Ian Woosnam is a golfing legend. His is a fascinating life story - from the struggle to earn a living in a hard-working mining community, through the highs and lows of the amateur and professional game, to becoming a household name.

This is the inspiring story of the farmer's son who worked his way up to become the No. 1 golfer in the world, but who never forgot to have fun. Few European golfers have won more professional tournaments, but Ian Woosnam's remarkable life in golf has always added up to much more than the number of strokes on his card.

Aggressive on the tee, relaxed in the bar, rarely spotted in a gym, Woosnam has become a hugely popular figure in 25 years of pro golf; affectionately known as 'Woosie' from Oswestry to Osaka, St Andrews to Sun City, Wentworth to West Palm Beach.

In his autobiography Woosnam recounts the untold tales of his early years. He recalls turning pro as a teenager and the tribulations of establishing himself on the European tour; his battles in no fewer than seven Ryder Cups alongside the likes of Faldo, Ballesteros and Lyle; and the drama of his 1991 US Masters triumph. More recently, he revisits the infamous fifteenth club fiasco when leading the 2001 Open; and his World Matchplay triumph against the odds that same year.

The book is fully updated to include events from 2002, including Europe's memorable Ryder Cup triumph and Woosie's prospects for the captaincy in 2004.

Away from the fairway, he talks about the support of his wife and three children, especially through the tough times when injury and loss of from threatened to curtail his career.

An intriguing insight into the world of a professional golfer who has proved that, with guts, anything is possible.