Ryder Cup captains Woosnam and Faldo to play in Nissan Irish Open

IAN WOOSNAM and Nick Faldo, recently appointed European captains for the 2006 and 2008 Ryder Cups respectively, have both confirmed they will play in this year’s Nissan Irish Open at Carton House Golf Club, Maynooth, Co Kildare.

The Welshman and the Englishman are two of the tournament’s great champions, having won the title five times between them in a period of dominance from 1988 to 1993.

Woosnam, who will captain Europe at The K Club from September 22-24, 2006, won his two Irish Open titles at Portmarnock, the first one in 1988, with Faldo finishing in a tie for second, and again in 1989.

“I am excited to be returning to Ireland for the first time since being appointed captain,” said Woosnam. “I have been visiting the country for as long as I can remember and have fond memories of my back to back wins at Portmarnock.

“I have always had a wonderful relationship with the Irish people, who are so friendly and welcoming, and it will be great to play in the Nissan Irish Open at Carton House.”

Faldo, who will captain Europe at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky in September 2008, went one better than Woosnam with three consecutive victories from 1991 to 1993, the first two at Killarney with the latter at Mount Juliet.

“Like many of my fellow professionals, I have always enjoyed playing at the Irish Open and am very much looking forward to the tournament this year,” said Faldo. “The prospect of playing on a new course offers up an additional challenge, but I’m sure that the tremendous spirit of the competition will remain unchanged.

“I am very proud of my achievements at the Irish Open having won on three occasions and it would be fantastic if, this year, I could become the first player to lift the trophy for the fourth time.”