Europe
Profile: Lee Westwood
| Born | Worksop, England |
|---|---|
| age | 33 |
| height | 6ft |
| Turned Pro | 1993 |
| World ranking | 51 |
| Appearances | (4) 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004 |
| Won | Lost | Halved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Foursomes | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Fourball | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 11 | 8 | 1 |
| Win Rate | 56% |
Lee Westwood is set to make his fifth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance, and like his close friend an fellow wild card pick Darren Clarke, he is bidding to claim a remarkable fourth win in the biennial team event.
In other words the former European Tour Order of Merit champion has played an integral part of the European success story of modern times. His steady and unflinching approach to the game has made him an ideal fourball and foursomes partner down the years.
Most notably he gelled with Sergio Garcia at the Belfry in 2002 and secured three points out of four alongside the Spaniard. Last time around the Worksop golfer claimed an almost flawless four-and-a-half points out of a possible five as Bernhard Langer’s men trounced the Americans on home soil. He played alongside Clarke on two occasions at Oakland Hills and won both times.
Although there was much consternation after Woosie made his wild card picks it’s hard to see what the problem was. In Westwood’s case, he has won the European Open twice around the K Club, so knowledge of the course is assured plus he has an enviable record when it comes to the matchplay format of this biennial event.
Admittedly, at one point in the season when Westwood was dedicating a lot of time playing in the States, his desire to make Woosie’s team looked questionable. However, when it came to the crunch he pushed for his place by competing this side of the Atlantic, in doing so he also found renewed vigour and form - just at the right time some might say.
- Paul Gallagher