The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
What a response to Ryder Cup low
Good players always respond to the critics in style – and I had no doubt Lee Westwood would do just that.
The Worksop golfer came in for what I felt was a lot of unjust criticism after failing to register a Ryder Cup point for Europe at Hazeltine.
Lee missed a short putt at the 18th in the day two fourballs.
He was hugely frustrated and reckoned he had let his captain Darren Clarke down with his showing.
There was no need for any stick to come his way though, in my opinion.
He was trying his hardest and he was a deserved captain’s pick because of his experience and quality.
He did exactly what quality players do and bounced back with an impressive third-placed finish in the British Masters at the Grove at the weekend.
Lee will host next year’s tournament at Close House, near Newcastle, where he has been the club’s touring professional since 2011.
His fellow Englishman Luke Donald did a great job with last week’s event at the Grove.
It’s important to reach out to as wide an audience as possible so it was great a large number of spectators were allowed in free of charge.
We were fortunate with the weather for a tournament being played in Britain during October.
Hopefully the same luck shines on Lee next year.