Welsh Golf legend Ian Woosnam is set to return to Wales in June for his only competitive golf tournament on home soil for the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open when it is hosted, for the first time, on the stunning links course at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club between 19^th and 21^st June.

Having made his debut on the European Senior Tour last year alongside Sandy Lyle, Woosie is looking forward to the event which promises to be one of the highlights in the 2009 golfing calendar, just as it was last year when, Conwy, another challenging links course, was the host venue.

"It has all the ingredients to be a superb event," said Woosnam. "It’s always a pleasure to play against these guys and what better place than Royal Porthcawl.

"It fully deserves its reputation as one of the very best links courses in the world. It’s possibly unique in that the sea is in full view from every hole, and when the wind gets up it is a real challenge.

"Not only is it a great course to play but the scenery makes it a fabulous venue for spectators, so I would urge everyone to take the opportunity to watch professional golf on this top links course."

Royal Porthcawl was also the very successful host to another Ryder Cup Wales ‘Summer of Golf’ event, the Wales Ladies Championship of Europe, from 2001 to 2004. In addition, the Club played host to the 1995 Walker Cup with Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington playing in their respective teams and which resulted in a famous win for Great Britain and Ireland.

John Jermine, Chairman of Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Ltd said: "We are thrilled that we have been able to attract such prestigious players to Wales and are sure that the players and spectators will all have an enjoyable and memorable week. We hope to see record crowds, starting with the Pro-Am on the Wednesday, and building to the climax on Sunday when we are certain to see a worthy winner on this truly wonderful golf course."

The Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open is one of the most prestigious tournaments on The European Senior Tour and, in recent years, has attracted some of golf’s great champions. 2009 is no different with an impressive line up that is expected to include Gordon J Brand, Tony Johnstone, Carl Mason, Ryder Cup stars Costantino Rocca and Mark James and defending champion, Peter Mitchell.

Last year Sandy Lyle, Assistant Captain to Woosie for The 2006 Ryder Cup, led in Conwy after the first round with 69 but it was Englishman Mitchell who denied Woosnam a popular home victory in Conwy by finishing two shots clear of the Welshman to clinch his maiden European Senior Tour title and the biggest pay cheque of his career.

Playing in only his second European Senior Tour event after making his debut in Jersey the previous week, Mitchell carded a one-under par final round of 71 to finish with a three-under-par total of 213, two strokes ahead of Woosnam. In glorious sunshine, Mitchell parred the final two holes and sealed the victory.

"That was quite a contest last year," Woosnam recalled. "But I’m very keen to go one better this time and take the title."

With a prize fund of £500,000 and a first prize of £75,000, the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open is the second most lucrative event on The European Senior Tour.

Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: "Following Ian’s second place at Conwy in 2008 which helped him win the John Jacobs Trophy as the leading Senior Tour player, I am sure he will be keen to add the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open title to his two victories from last year and we look forward to another great tournament at Royal Porthcawl in June."

For more information about the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open, visit www.rydercupwales2010.com or contact 029 2092 3951.