Westwood not blown away by US venue

LEE WESTWOOD is already looking forward to getting back to “traditional” US Open venues after signing off a final-round 76 for a seven-over tally at windswept Erin Hills.

The wind was so strong that Westwood’s ball moved slightly at address but under new rules brought in following the fiasco a year ago involving eventual winner Dustin Johnson, Westwood was aware there was now no penalty.

“The situation that happened early in my round is why they changed the rules,” said Westwood, above.

“I do not think I would have got penalised anyway under the old rule as my putter was nowhere near the ball. But then even though it was really windy I thought the course was very playable.

“Looking back over the week I felt I played much better than my score reflects

“I also hit a lot of greens over the four days but they seemed to have Cellophane over the holes. But then in saying that, I feel like I made a lot of progress”.

Westwood has now contested 18 US Opens and now looks forward to his 21st appearance in golf’s oldest Major, the Open, starting on July 20 at Royal Birkdale. The 44-year old is also savouring the thought of heading to next year’s US Open host venue at Shinnecock Hills on New York’s Long Island, one of his more favoured venues on the rota.

“This wouldn’t be my favourite US Open venue,” he said of Erin Hills. “I prefer when they play the traditional golf courses.

“The two they have played recently aren’t as good as the older style courses like Shinnecock, Winged Foot, Oakmont and Congressional.

“There are a few good ones coming up over the next few years so I am looking forward to those.”