Lee Westwood Secures a Spot in The Open
Golfer Lee Westwood, with rounds of 70 and 67 at Dundonald Links, qualified for The Open, marking his return to a major since joining the Saudi Arabian-funded LIV Golf three years ago. Westwood was one of the 20 players who earned their place at Royal Portrush through the Final Regional Qualifying, held at four courses in England and Scotland, where five spots were awarded in each. Of the 15 LIV Golf players who participated, three managed to qualify. The 52-year-old Englishman, with 25 titles on the European circuit and three Order of Merit titles, led the five qualifiers at Dundonald with a total of 7 under par, 137.The Open will be held from July 17 to 20 at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, where Shane Lowry won in 2019. Westwood was one stroke off the lead after 36 holes before tying for fourth place, nine strokes behind Lowry. Among the qualifiers is Richard Teder, who will become the first Estonian player to compete in golf’s oldest championship. His qualification was dramatic, securing his place with an eagle from the fairway in a playoff. Other LIV Golf players, Lucas Herbert of Australia and Dean Burmester of South Africa, also secured a spot in The Open. Herbert led the qualifiers at West Lancashire, while Burmester did the same at Royal Cinque Ports. Graeme McDowell, who grew up in Portrush, was one of the five LIV players who failed to qualify at Royal Cinque Ports. Ian Poulter and his 21-year-old son Luke also missed out. Seven other LIV players failed to qualify, either finishing outside the top five or withdrawing during the round. Three more withdrew before starting. Westwood was world number 1 at the end of 2010. At the time, he was considered one of the best players who never won a major.I’ve always said it’s the biggest championship in golf and as a British player you get phenomenal support. I’m looking forward to enjoying the week at Portrush, seeing some old friends and enjoying that golf course.
Lee Westwood
