The weight of the world, or at least Europe, may be on his shoulders, but Ian Woosnam, European captain for the Ryder Cup at the K Club in September, also has personal issues to consider as he prepares for his latest appearance in the Irish Open.

"How do you assess your own game?" Woosie, a back-to-back champion in 1988 and 1989, was asked yesterday.

"Not very highly actually," replied the Welshman. "I think if I make the cut again it will be a miracle, especially if the weather stays like this. It doesn't suit me any more.

"I've been struggling with my back all year and just don't seem to be able to get any freedom in my swing.

"Unfortunately, my back hasn't been great all year really, and when it is damp it is worse. I've just got no flexibility. You feel like you don't want to play before you start, really," said Woosnam, who will decide this morning if he is fit to play.

To be sure, Woosnam's focus these days is not on his game, but rather on that of others as he formulates the team that will attempt to retain the Ryder Cup when the match with the US takes place in nearby Straffan.

Since making the case that he will give preference to those players who compete in Europe rather than the US in attempting to play their way onto the team, Woosnam has been pleased with the reaction, which has included Padraig Harrington's decision to add the French Open to his itinerary.

"Padraig has obviously realised he has got to get a few points. In the end of the day, I want to get the players who have played in the Ryder Cup before, who have that experience, automatically in. I don't want to be left having to pick some of the top players," said Woosnam.

The captain has resisted the temptation to make the short journey over to the K Club this week. "I was there a couple of months ago, and obviously it's wintertime and they are just getting it prepared," said Woosie, who made his suggestions a year ago to superintendent Gerry Byrne on how the course should be set-up for the match.

Although the event is four months away, Woosnam has been taken with the build-up that is evident already.

"I'm looking for a back door way out if we lose. It's going to be an unbelievable atmosphere. It's the first time in Ireland and probably the biggest sporting event ever. It's going to be amazing."