Lee Westwood explains why The Masters gives ‘older guys’ a chance of major glory

Westwood has finished second or third in every major championship but is still yet to land a win

In association with

Jack Rathborn

Friday 13 November 2020 06:50 EST

Comments

Tiger Woods addresses first round at The Masters after day one

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lee Westwood believes Augusta National gives “older guys” a chance at major glory despite the sport emphasising power and distance more than ever.

The 47-year-old, who finished runner-up in 2010 and 2016, believes added experience gives him a great chance to succeed and finally become a major champion.

The Englishman made five birdies on the front nine with a bogey on the back to produce a four-under 68, which leaves him sitting three strokes back of leader and compatriot Paul Casey, with much of the first round still to be finished after darkness suspended the first round.

"It's nice to see my name up there," Westwood said.

"It's the kind of golf course that gives the older guys a chance. Experience counts for a lot around here. You don't have to be a bomber to get round it.

LIVE: Latest updates, scores and second round leaderboard at Augusta

"It gives you chances if you hit good shots and keep it in play.""Bombers" like tournament favorite Bryson DeChambeau learned the hard way that Augusta can bite back when you try to overpower it. The 27-year-old's blistering tee-shots too often found the rough or the Georgia pines en route to a two-under 70.Meanwhile 43-year-old Casey fired a sparkling seven-under 65 and 44-year-old Tiger Woods carded a bogey-free 68.

Westwood, a former world number one who might be the best player of his generation to never win a major, has come agonizingly close, especially at Augusta, which he called his favorite golf course.He finished runner-up at the tournament in 2010 and tied for second in 2016 - the year countryman Danny Willett took home the Green Jacket.

He was the runner-up at the 2010 British Open, tied for third at the 2009 PGA Championship, third at the 2008 U.S. Open, and tied for third at the 2011 U.S. Open.Westwood comes into the final major of the year brimming with confidence after competing in a string of tournaments in the run-up to the Masters, which was pushed from April to November due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"I've played a lot more than I normally would recently," he said."I'm the kind of player that plays his way into form and I've been playing consistently well - just not really putting four rounds together and finishing it off."

Reuters contributed to this report

This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies