HELEN OF JOY FOR HERO LEE
LEE WESTWOOD reckons partner Helen Storey could be his lucky charm after she helped him land a first European Tour title in four years.
Helen was Westwood’s caddie as a brilliant closing 64 saw him romp to glory at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa.
The Englishman finished 15 under par and three shots ahead of overnight leader Sergio Garcia, with home hero Louis Oosthuizen a shot further back.
It’s his 24th victory on Tour but a first on the circuit since the 2014 Malaysian Open.
And Westwood joked he may keep Helen on the bag as she always seems to bring him good fortune.
The 45-year-old said: “It has been brilliant. She has caddied twice for me this year and we lost in a play-off in Denmark then won here. Might have to have a bit of a rethink, not least about who caddies but our percentages!”
The triumph also vindicated Westwood’s decision to rule himself out of the running to be Ryder Cup captain in 2020 as he targets a record-equalling 11th appearance in the contest as a player.
He has now won the Nedbank three times, having come out on top in 2010 and 2011 when it was BY DALE RANKIN a 12-man invitational. And the veteran 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 there.
“I can’t wait to watch the highlights – I hit so many good shots coming in.”
Oosthuizen traded blows with Westwood before crucially threeputting the 15th from the back of the green.
The Englishman seized his opportunity and birdied the 16th and 17th to leave Oosthuizen needing an eagle at the last to force a play-off.
But a wayward drive led to a double-bogey six to drop the former Open champion into third place.
The South African said: “There’s not much more I could have done. Hats off to Lee for the way he played today. Eight under around that golf course without a dropped shot is good golf.”
Garcia had been chasing back-to-back wins but had to settle for second place after a closing 70.
The Spanish ace said: “I’m thrilled for Lee. I wish I would have won myself but if not to see Lee do it was pretty nice.”