Blast from the past
Westwood hopes to recreate more brilliance at favourite hunting ground
ENGLISHMAN Lee Westwood is hoping to turn back the clock and reproduce some of his past magic in Malaysia at the Maybank Championship today.
Westwood was only 24 when he claimed the Malaysian Open title back in 1997 at the Saujana Golf and Country Club. He went on to lift a second Malaysian Open title at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club three years ago by a massive seven stroke-margin. He is making his debut in the Maybank Championship.
While admitting the glorious days of 1997 has escaped his memory, the Englishman is nevertheless looking to put up a strong show again on a course he adores.
“Honestly I don’t remember a lot about the win here 20 years ago. I just remember winning and being associated with Saujana for two or three great years in the middle of the 90s.
“I actually lost here in a playoff in 1998 after the win in 1997 so I almost won back-to-back.
“Obviously I won here again three years ago so I love the place, and it’s nice to be back.
“The course here has also improved and the condition is fantastic.
“They have done a great job setting it up, the greens are in very good condition.
“These are some of the truest greens I’ve played on in Asia, rolling really well and if you hit a good putt it will go in. It’s looking good.
“I am looking forward to a good week, I seem to play well in SouthEast Asia – Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand – these hot places and I am looking forward to get going and getting off to a fast start and into contention,” added Westwood, who was also formerly a touring pro for Saujana.
And one certainly cannot dis- count Westwood’s chances this week especially when it comes to major tournaments in Asia.
“I have nine wins in Asia and a couple in this part of the region, so I’m keen to play well and get into contention and hopefully win my third tournament here in Malaysia.
“I have played well here so that’s as good a reason as any to come back.”