IAN Woosnam's major focus in the Wales Open golf championship this week is on his scramble for Ryder Cup points, but his appointment of a relative unknown as his caddy has caused a few murmours (writes Josh Ball).

Nick Hooper is a sports physiotherapist in Jersey. More to the point he is Ian Woosnam's physio and has been a friend of the Welshman's for the last four years.

"I've known Nick for for about three or four years," explained Woosie. "He's a nine handicap player and I've played golf with him socially quite a lot. He's also my physiotherapist. Really I'm killing two birds with one stone."

At a Press conference before the pro-am yesterday Woosnam was quite defensive of his new caddy who he thought would be a little nervous before the tournament.

"Nick's a keen golfer, he's looking forward to the Wales Open," said Woosnam. "I just hope you guys (the Press) give him a little peace - he is a little nervous I think."

Hooper may not be a professional caddy, and Woosnam revealed he had offers from several to take what was described as the most sought after bag in golf.

The Welshman though is confident that, given time, Hooper will be able to do the job effectively.

"It will take him a while to get into it - it's not just taking the bag, it's getting into the routine of filling in the cards, getting used to the yardages and everything," said Woosnam.

"He'll watch me and other caddies and as he grows over a couple of weeks he will get used to it.

"It's like any other caddie - he knows how I play, it is just a matter of getting used to how far I hit it."

Woosnam has said the pair have no plans for the long-term, the arrangement is just for the near future.

However he did reveal that if he made the Ryder Cup side Hooper would be going with him. "It's just for the near future at the moment," said Woosnam.