Experienced golfer Lee Westwood has qualified for The Open, marking his return to a major after joining the LIV Golf circuit three years ago. Westwood, with rounds of 70 and 67 at Dundonald Links, secured his place in the prestigious tournament to be held at Royal Portrush. The final regional qualifying event, which took place in four fields in England and Scotland, awarded a total of 20 places for the championship. Westwood, 52 years old and with an outstanding career that includes 25 titles on the European circuit and three Order of Merit titles, led the five qualifiers in Dundonald with a total of 7 under par, 137 strokes.
The Open will be held from July 17 to 20 at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, where Shane Lowry was crowned champion in 2019. Westwood was one stroke off the lead after 36 holes in that tournament, finishing in fourth position, nine strokes behind the winner. Among the qualifiers is Richard Teder, who will make history as the first Estonian player to compete in golf’s oldest championship. Other LIV Golf players, such as Lucas Herbert of Australia and Dean Burmester of South Africa, also earned their spot for The Open. Graeme McDowell, who grew up in Portrush, was one of the five LIV Golf players who failed to qualify. Westwood, who became world number one at the end of 2010, was close to winning a major on several occasions.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
