Lee Westwood Secures His Spot at The Open
Golfer Lee Westwood, with rounds of 70 and 67 at Dundonald Links, has qualified for The Open. This will be his first major appearance since joining the Saudi-backed 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, each awarding five spots. 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 take place 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 the oldest golf championship. His qualification was dramatic, as he secured 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. Seven LIV players failed to qualify, either finishing outside the top five or withdrawing mid-round. Another three withdrew before starting. LIV Golf finished an event in Dallas on Sunday, and the players had to fly directly to the UK for qualifying. Westwood was world number 1 at the end of 2010. At the time, he was considered one of the best 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
