Woosnam admits chronic back problems have brought retirement on to horizon

Woosnam reveals retirement is close (GETTY IMAGES)

Former world No 1 Ian Woosnam has admitted he may retire from golf within the next two to three years.

The 1991 Masters champion and victorious 2006 European Ryder Cup captain finished tied 16th at the Senior Open at Walton Heath, 10 shots behind champion Russ Cochran. He joined the European Senior Tour in 2008 but suffers from spondylitis [back trouble] and told BBC Sport: "Retirement thoughts have crept in, no doubt. I am 53 now. I did say I'd do it until I'm about 55 or 56."

Woosnam needs a weekly injection in order to play golf competitively and added: "Without the injection I can't play to any standard where I want to play."