Golfing legend Ian Woosnam returned to his first club to unveil an honours board in recognition of his sporting achievements this week.

The former Masters winner, one of the legends of the sport, was overwhelmed by the honour upon his homecoming and greeting my club officials old and new.

“This is where it all started on the first tee at Llanymynech and they were exciting times,” said Woosnam who paid tribute to junior section coach Bernard Thomas.

“There was a fantastic junior section and Bernard would spend hours and hours with us practicing on the putting green while Andy Griffiths and Dave Griffiths fetched us on with a lot of the lads going on to have a career in golf.

Former club captain David Griffiths organised the honours board said Woosnam’s star quality had been noticed early in his career.

“The board lists all of Ian’s professional individual and team wins, his Ryder Cup, his seniors wins and of course his OBE.

“I played with Ian years and years ago when he was in his early teens and you could see there was something different then as a player but I never dreamt he would go on to achieve what he has during his career.

“His ball striking was different. He was so determined and hated losing.”

Club president Brian Suckley recalled a young Woosnam’s determination to succeed.

Suckley said: “Ian was so keen to practice he travelled from St Martins to Pant on a bus and walked up the hill to the club.

“As a junior he looked forward to the day he could reach the ridge on the ninth hole which he did when he was thirteen using a persimmon wood, something many other golfers can only do with a second shot.

“We are all very proud of Ian’s career and it all started here in Llanymynech.”

Woosnam thanked the club for the honour upon an emotional homecoming.

“It’s a great honour. This is something special,” said Woosnam.

“I’ve seen a lot of people I haven’t seen for a long time and that has been overwhelming.”