GOLDEN OLD
Westy in bid to snatch Jack’s Augusta record
WHEN Lee Westwood made his Masters debut playing alongside Jack Nicklaus, he made sure to grab the Golden Bear’s autograph.
Now the grey-flecked Westwood is attempting to relieve Nicklaus of his status as the oldest man to win the Augusta tournament.
Westwood may be 21 months older than Nicklaus (inset) was when he won in 1986 but the veteran Englishman’s Green Jacket quest is no pie-in-the-sky mission.
A fortnight shy of his 48th birthday, Westwood embarks on his 20th Masters tomorrow back in the world’s top
20 after successive runnerup finishes on the PGA Tour.
“Jack has always been an inspiration with the way he played the game especially with his record around here. It would be great to break his record,” said Westwood.
“I remember the first time I played this tournament in 1997. I played the final round with Jack.
“So I went out on the Saturday night and bought the iconic picture where he’s following the ball into the hole on 17 with his putter. After we played I said to Jack, ‘Would you mind signing this picture for me?’ I still have it to this day, framed up, where he’s put, ‘Lee, enjoyed our round, best wishes, Jack Nicklaus.’
“He’s a legend and arguably the greatest player to ever play the game. To have a chance to break one of his records would be very special.”
Like Nicklaus in 1986, Westwood will have his son as his caddie as he plots victory at Augusta National. An omen maybe.
Sam Westwood, 19, is a good enough golfer to have shot 87 and 82 – with a last hole chip-in – when the pair took a reconnaissance trip last month.
“It’s a special place and to get to share it with Sam is amazing,” said Westwood. “I missed this tournament in 2001 to be at his birth so it’s one big cycle. Seems like five minutes since he was born. Time flies.”
Westwood will tee off with world No.1 and defending champion Dustin Johnson in the first round, along with US amateur champion Tyler Strafaci.
The Brit is looking forward to the challenge, saying: “You learn a lot when you play in previous Masters.
“You’ll see, I think, people who have a lot of experience around here coming to the top of the leaderboard.”