Top golfer Ian Woosnam says money-saving baked beans helped energy him to victory

Golf ace Ian Woosnam says baked beans powered him to victory.

The 66-year-old former world number one golfer said the meal, known for causing flatulence, helped him through his early years on the tour.

The star, who has a £25m fortune, said he competed in tournaments in Europe in a camper van after turning pro in 1976.



Ian Woosnam back at the 2001 British Open Golf Championship
(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)

To save cash then, he only bought cheap grub, with beans his go-to meal.

Ian said: “I’d travel around the continent in my camper van, living on a diet of baked beans to save money.”

Speaking this week, the golfer – nicknamed Woosie – said he worked on his dad’s farm to save dosh, and then went off the play golf all around the UK and Europe.



Ian Woosnam’s go-to meal used to be baked beans
(Image: Getty Images)

He said: “I’d work on my dad’s farm, get a little bit of money and then I’d go off and play, travelling to each in my camper van.

“If I made enough, it paid my fees for the larger tournaments.

“I’d travel around the Continent in my camper van, living on a diet of baked beans to save money.”

He hit the big time after winning the 1982 Swiss Open, and in 1987 became the first player ever to win more than £1m in prize money in a year after winning eight tournaments.

The golfer, who now lives in Jersey, said that as soon as he made a wad of money he wanted to buy a ‘big house, a Porsche, and a plane’.

After winning the Masters in 1991, he could himself a Golden Eagle twin-engine aeroplane – flying it to tournaments around Europe.

Golf