Forever the bridesmaid?

LOOKING uncharacteristically rankled as the BBC interviewer asked where he had to raise his game to win a major, one should share some sympathy with the Worksop golfer. Over the last 18 months the benefits of a new health and training regime have kicked in making him, unquestionably, the world’s most consistent performer in the four major championships. His driving and iron play, near the top of the statistics, remain the backbone of his game whilst there has been a marked improvement on his short game. But to the chagrin of his many supporters those important puts in the final round continue to shave the hole. Looking back to another era – Sir Nick Faldo’s for example – ‘Par’ golf was often enough in the final round as he waited patiently like a bird of prey for his opponents – Norman, Cook etc – to implode. Unfortunately Westwood has come up against an inspired Mickelson at the Masters conjuring up some incredible shots and, more recently, a relative unknown in the shape of Louis Oosthuizen at The Open. His other only important professional victory came at our very own Parador this March which kick started his career and gave him the self-belief that he was, indeed, a winner. After never having made a cut in a major his performance on the final day was nothing less than inspired although, as a TV spectacle, it was effectively over by the 12th hole. This does not mean to say we were not left looking wondrously on as the hiccup never came which might have given hope to his challengers. For a mere ‘slip of a lad’ both his driving length – consistently outhitting ‘Popeye’ Casey – and accuracy were of the highest calibre. I do not recall a second shot played from anywhere worse than the semi-rough?

Come on Lee! All that hard work and perseverance will pay off one day, won’t it?

Tags: golf spain