WOOSNAM - File

ST JAMES, Barbados (CMC):

ALL EYES will be on golfing legend Ian Woosnam when the eighth Barbados Open Golf tournament tees off today at the Royal Westmoreland Course on the island's scenic west coast.

Woosnam, who recently turned 50, will be the star attraction at the three-day event on the picturesque 18-hole course, which is the first on the calendar of the European Seniors Tour.

He hails from Wales but now owns a house in Barbados. He is best remembered for his historic victory in April 1991 at the Masters at Augusta. He also represented Europe with distinction in the Ryder Cup and captained the team when they won the coveted title two years ago.

"You don't want to wish your life away, but I have been looking forward to this for five years now. The main thing, though, is to enjoy myself because I haven't really done that in the last few years," he said.

'I can win again'

"It would be nice to feel I can win again. I don't know when I last had that feeling. If you don't feel like you can compete, what is the point? But these guys can play. You can't just turn up and expect to win."

There is one Caribbean entrant, experienced Jamaican Delroy Cambridge, who has participated in the seven previous events.

Other notable names competing for the US$275,000 prize money include defending champion and former Ryder Cup player Gordon J. Brand of England, and fellow countryman Tommy Horton, who had the privilege of winning the first Barbados Open in 2000.

Also seeking a second title in Barbados is Ireland's Denis O'Sullivan, who triumphed over the 6,854 yards course in 2005.