Brilliant Westwood ends long wait for a title
LEE WESTWOOD fought back tears after winning his first European Tour title since 2014 in the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
The British former world No.1 fired an eagle and six birdies in a brilliant final round of 64 at Sun City yesterday.
Westwood finished 15 under par and three shots ahead of overnight leader Sergio Garcia to end his barren run on the circuit.
Westwood said: “I’m a bit emotional to be honest. You’re never sure whether you’re going to be able to do it again.
“Still got it, I guess. Just nice to do it again under pressure and win against a couple of quality players at the end.
“I was just trying to hit fairways, stick to my game plan and hit it in the right places.
“I can’t wait to watch the highlights because I hit so many good shots coming in.”
Westwood’s third win at the South African venue vindicated the
45-year-old’s decision to rule himself out of the running to be Europe’s Ryder Cup captain in
2020.
Instead, he’s targeting a recordequalling 11th appearance against the USA as a player at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
He added: “I’ve got a bit of a process I’m going through with my golf swing. And I’m starting to see better shots.
“The seven iron into 17 is probably one of the best shots I’ve ever hit and it all just worked.”
Westwood’s partner Helen Storey has been his caddie for the week and he added: “It’s been brilliant for me during the tournament.
“She’s caddied twice for me this year and we lost in a play-off in Denmark and now we’ve won here.
“I might have to have a bit of a rethink, not least about who caddies for me, but also our percentages!”
Westwood began the day three shots behind Garcia but was soon on the charge.
He took the outright lead from Louis Oosthuizen with a birdie at 17 as the home favourite’s challenge faded, and he eventually finished third behind Garcia.
England’s Ross Fisher was fourth, a shot ahead of fellow countryman Matt Wallace.
Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy finished in a tie for 21st on one under.