WESTWOOD EYES AGE-OLD NICKLAUS RECORD
LEE WESTWOOD will take inspiration from his links to Jack Nicklaus as he attempts to break the 18-time major winner’s record of oldest Masters champion.
Nicklaus was 46 and without a major title for five years when he famously claimed his sixth green jacket at Augusta in 1986, with son Jackie on his bag.
In-form Westwood, who will celebrate his 48th birthday later this month, is using his son Sam as caddie this week.
‘Even without that, Jack has always been an inspiration the way he played the game, especially his record here,’ Westwood said. ‘You can’t help being inspired. There’s a few similarities there with age. It would be great to break his record.
‘I saw Jack a few weeks ago at the Honda and I still remember the first time I played this tournament in 1997. I played the final round with Jack and went out on the Saturday and bought the picture, the iconic one (from 1986) where he’s following the ball into the hole on 17 with his putter.
‘And after we played on the Sunday I said to Jack, “Would you mind signing this picture for me?” And I still have it to this day
It is validation that I’m still good enough to be out here and contending
all framed up where he’s put, “Lee, enjoyed our round, best wishes, Jack Nicklaus”.
‘There’s very few people you would do that with. He’s a legend and arguably the greatest to ever play the game. I always enjoy speaking with Jack and picking his brains and just being in his company, really. To have a chance to break one of his records would be very special.
‘It’s amazing that I’m old enough to have my son on the bag and still be competing, and having Sam here to enjoy the experience with me, I have to close his mouth every now and again when we’re going around here, he loves it so much.’
Westwood holds the unwanted record of nine top-three finishes in a major without winning one, three of those at Augusta. But he has certainly been in fine form, finishing second at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship.
‘It is validation that I’m still good enough at my age to be out here and contending,’ Westwood added. ‘I’ve obviously been working hard at my game, but I have a good team. It’s not just one thing that makes you play well. Golf’s got many different facets. When I get under pressure, I feel more comfortable under pressure. All that and playing well has bred confidence.’