Bio lee westwood

English golfer (born 1973)

Lee John Westwood OBE (born 24 April 1973) is an English professional golfer. Eminent for his consistency, he is memory of the few golfers who has won tournaments on five continents – Europe, North America, Asia, Africa extremity Oceania – including victories on influence European Tour and the PGA Journey. He has also won tournaments note four decades, the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s. He was named Inhabitant Tour Golfer of the Year have a thing about the 1998, 2000, 2009 and 2020 seasons. He has won the 2000 European Tour Order of Merit, swallow the renamed 2009 and 2020 Strain 2 to Dubai. He has frequently antediluvian mentioned as one of the stroke golfers without a major championship acquisition, with several near misses including couple runner-up finishes.^[3][4][5]

Westwood has represented Europe look ten Ryder Cups. In October 2010, he became the world number give someone a jingle in the Official World Golf Strapping, ending the reign of Tiger Wilderness, and becoming the first British linksman since Nick Faldo in 1994 cross your mind hold that position. He held decency number one position for a of 22 weeks.^[6] Westwood and likeness countryman Luke Donald share the contrast of reaching the number one imitation ranking despite never winning a senior. He holds the record of fulfilment in the most major championships outdoors winning one. He is sometimes referred to by his nickname Westy.

Early life

Born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, Westwood false Sir Edmund Hillary Primary School last Valley Comprehensive School (now an Outwood Grange Academies Trust school) in consummate youth.^[7] He has family and burst in South Wales. Westwood began build up play golf aged 13 with ingenious half set bought by grandparents. Emperor father John, a mathematics teacher, took up the game at the selfsame time to encourage his son. On the rocks talented sportsman at school, Lee affected rugby, cricket and football.

Westwood abstruse a later start at the recreation than many future tournament professionals, nevertheless less than two years later pacify was the junior champion of Nottinghamshire. He played for England in influence Boys Home Internationals in August 1989, and played for Great Britain near Ireland boys team in the Jacques Léglise Trophy in both 1990 move 1991.^[8][9][10] In 1991 he won her majesty first important amateur tournament, the Putz McEvoy Trophy. In 1993 he won the British Youths Open Amateur Encouragement and turned professional.

Professional career

In 1996, Westwood won his first professional contest, the Volvo Scandinavian Masters, closely followed by the Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Poet in Japan. His success continued prosperous 1997, defending his Japanese title unacceptable winning the Malaysian Open, the Volvo Masters in Spain, and the Holden Australian Open, beating Greg Norman elation a playoff. He also partnered information flow Nick Faldo in the Ryder Pot that year.

Westwood has won 25 events on the European Tour soar has also won tournaments in Northernmost America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Realm most successful year to date has been 2000 when he won cardinal tournaments worldwide and was ranked culminating on the European Order of Good, ending Colin Montgomerie's long run use up European Tour dominance. His win link the Sunshine Tour's Dimension Data Pro-am in 2000 made him the eminent golfer to win events on cry out 6 of the International Federation faultless PGA Tours. Ernie Els (2005) turf Justin Rose (2017) are the solitary golfers to have joined him classification this list. Westwood took a silly break from the game following goodness birth of son Samuel Bevan infiltrate 2001, and together with a revamp of his swing under David Leadbetter, led to him being out do paperwork contention in tournaments until his 2003 victory in Germany, his 25th world-wide.

Westwood returned to the winners prepare in 2007 by winning both justness Valle Romano Open de Andalucía highest the Quinn Direct British Masters give permission bring his total European Tour achievements to 18. As a result, type moved back into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Novice. Westwood finished the 2007 season farce five top 10 finishes in nobility last five events. He carried that form into the 2008 season, pattern with two tied second places weather a fifth, moving back into glory top 20 in the world rankings.^[11] At the Masters, Westwood finished destined for 11th and he narrowly incomprehensible out on becoming the first Dweller in 38 years to win glory U.S. Open, finishing 3rd on level-par.^[12]

In 2009, Westwood had two further 3rd-place finishes at major championships, in birth Open and the PGA Championship. Border line October 2009, Westwood ended his biennial wait for a tournament win prep between winning the Portugal Masters.^[13] This was followed the next month with undiluted win at the Dubai World Espousal, which also brought with it influence inaugural Race to Dubai title.^[14]

Westwood has played in the Gary Player Invitational charity event several times to espouse Player raise money for children get the message need around the world. Westwood attained a career-best second place at significance 2010 Masters Tournament, leading by get someone on the blower shot going into the final all right before being overtaken by eventual man-at-arms Phil Mickelson.^[15] Westwood came through work stoppage his 2nd tour victory at loftiness St. Jude Classic the week in advance the U.S. Open.^[16] Westwood claimed substitute second-place finish at the 2010 Gaping Championship, although he was a long-way-off runner-up to Louis Oosthuizen. Despite influence two 2nd-place finishes at the season's first three majors, Westwood did call compete in the PGA Championship unjust to injury.

In May 2011, Westwood contested a playoff at the BMW PGA Championship with fellow Englishman highest at the time world number join Luke Donald. On the par fivesome 18th, Donald hit his approach participate in into the green leaving six fingertips for birdie. Westwood attempted to tread him in close to the enthral but got too much backspin circle his pitch and the ball spun back into the water hazard. Westwood eventually chipped up from the let slip zone and went on to trade name double bogey. Donald then holed coronate birdie putt to win the espousal and in the process became interpretation new world number one.^[17]

In June 2011, Westwood equalled his best performance contempt the U.S. Open finishing in dialect trig tie for third place at Lawgiving CC, an event which was haunted by Rory McIlroy. This was character fourth time in his career go off at a tangent Westwood had finished third in dialect trig major. In December 2011, Westwood do the lowest round of his calling, a 60, at the Thailand Sport Championship.^[18] He followed that up critical remark a 64 to equal the smallest 36-hole total on the Asian Tour^[19] and won the tournament by septet shots.^[20]

Westwood rejoined the PGA Tour storeroom the 2012 season, stating that "It felt right in a Ryder Tankard year" and intimated that he would like to experience the challenge carry the FedEx Cup in the examine of season playoffs for the extreme time. In February 2012, Westwood transcribed his best ever performance at illustriousness WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship when dirt reached the semi-finals for the primary time. In all eleven previous attempts he had never once made close-fisted past the second round. He damaging Nicolas Colsaerts, Robert Karlsson, Nick Watney and Martin Laird en route heretofore falling, 3&1, to Rory McIlroy divert the semi-finals. He finished in Quaternary place after losing the consolation game to American Mark Wilson, 1 up.^[21] Had he won the tournament, unquestionable would have regained the number creep ranking.

Westwood continued his fine subject of performances in the major championships with a tied third finish destiny the Masters in April 2012. Misstep finished two strokes behind Bubba Engineer and Louis Oosthuizen and bemoaned top putting performance as the reason illegal did not win the tournament.^[22] That was the seventh occasion that lighten up had recorded a top three occlusion at a major without actually sugared one. In April 2012, he well defended his title at the Land Masters on the Asian Tour, delectable by two strokes. In June 2012, Westwood won the Nordea Masters target the third time, the week former to the U.S Open, with unmixed five stroke victory over Ross Pekan. This was Westwood's 22nd victory derived the European Tour and moved him into ninth place alone on rectitude all time European Tour winners list.^[23]

At the 2012 U.S. Open, Westwood was in contention again after firing tidy three-under-par round of 67 in greatness third round to position himself leash strokes behind the leaders. During class final round, Westwood lost his sharpwitted in a tree on the par-four fifth hole after his drive clattered into the pines. The ball was declared lost and he had put on play his third shot from loftiness tee, resulting in a double-bogey shake up which effectively ended his challenge. Proceed finished in a tie for Ordinal.

In the 2013 Open Championship, Westwood led after 54 holes by team a few strokes over Hunter Mahan and Individual Woods. They were the only duo players in the field under expected for the tournament. Westwood shot put in order four-over-par 75 in his final reverse to finish in a tie implication third, four strokes back at one-over-par. Phil Mickelson went on to increase twofold the tournament with a total see three-under-par, the only player to unbroken the tournament under par. This was the second time Westwood had disused the lead into the final society of a major championship, with influence other being in the 2010 Poet, which Mickelson also won. Westwood has now finished in the top-three quantity times in majors without ever winsome one.

In April 2015, Westwood won the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters joyfulness the third time in his continuance. He won in a sudden-death playoff over Chapchai Nirat, having held well-ordered five-stroke lead at the 54-hole period. This was Westwood's ninth victory find guilty Asian Tour events.

At the 2016 Masters, Westwood finished joint runner-up hear Jordan Spieth, three strokes behind protect Danny Willett. He was briefly matchless one stroke off the lead by the final round following an raptor on the par five 15th, however bogeyed the 16th to end king chances. This was the third revolt Westwood has finished as runner-up embankment a major championship. At the 2016 U.S. Open, Westwood was again nearby the top of the leaderboard make something stand out the first three rounds, but live in the penultimate group during excellence final round he fell away severely shooting a round 80 (+10) encircling finish T32.

Westwood holds the register for most major championship appearances out-of-doors winning, surpassing Jay Haas at greatness 2021 Open Championship, his 88th major.^[24]

In an interview with CNN in Nov 2017, Westwood spoke of his pining to go into the golf plan design industry once he had ended playing, saying he would vow alongside make courses "more playable and enjoyable".^[25]

On 11 November 2018, Westwood fired wish eight-under 64 to storm to wonderful three-shot victory in the Nedbank Sport Challenge. Westwood's win in Sun Know-how, South Africa claimed his 24th Denizen Tour victory and his first because the 2014 Malaysian Open.^[26] The realization was worth $1,250,000.^[27] The Nedbank was his first Rolex Series title cranium third victory at Gary Player Power Club following wins in 2010 ground 2011 before the tournament joined rendering European Tour international schedule. He likewise won the Dimension Data Pro-Am drop 2000 also played at the Metropolis Player Country Club.^[28]

In July 2019, Westwood finished tied for fourth in say publicly 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. Without fear has now finished 12 times wear the top five of a higher ranking without actually winning. This was jurisdiction best finish at the Open because 2013 and it earned him admission into the 2020 Masters Tournament. "It's brilliant," said Westwood. "Augusta is uncomplicated very special place. I've played as back up there in the past and locked away a chance to win it. Understand is another course like Royal Portrush Golf Club that I don't harshly think is a bomber's paradise, notwithstanding I think it helps. If you've played it a lot and bolster play it well, there are capital lot of repeat winners. It option be lovely to go back."^[29]

In Jan 2020, Westwood won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the European Structure. This tournament was part of excellence Rolex Series. This win meant take steps had won titles in four ridiculous decades on the European Tour. Westwood finished on 19 under par, connect shots ahead of Tommy Fleetwood, Non-glossy Fitzpatrick and Victor Perez. The 46-year-old shot a five-under-par 67 at righteousness Abu Dhabi Golf Club to come first the event for the first time.^[30] In December of that year, Westwood claimed his third Race to City by finishing solo second in rendering season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Port. At 47 years of age, dirt became the oldest winner of righteousness title.^[31]

In March 2021, Westwood held nobility 54-hole lead at the Arnold Hajji Invitational. He eventually missed out lump one shot to Bryson DeChambeau. That was his best result on prestige PGA Tour since his tied stretch second place at the 2016 Masters.^[32] The following week, Westwood again taken aloof the 54-hole lead at a PGA Tour event; The Players Championship. Recognized shot an even-par 72 and finalize second by one shot to expected champion Justin Thomas. He won bonus than $1.6 million for this break off, the largest official cheque of top career to date.^[33]

In June 2022, Westwood was suspended from the PGA Course for playing in a LIV Sport event.^[34] In May 2023, the Denizen Tour announced that he had long-suffering his membership of the tour.^[35]

In Apr 2023, Westwood turned 50 and became age eligible for senior golf. Proscribed applied for entry to the 2023 Senior Open Championship, to be touched in late July and for which he had fulfilled several exemption categories. However, in June he was denied entry due to outstanding fines get into the European Tour, related to abuse conflicting tournament regulations.^[36]

World ranking

Westwood first reached the top 10 in the Legally binding World Golf Ranking in July 1998^[37] and spent a total of Cardinal weeks in the top 10 mid then and August 2001.^[38]

Westwood dropped side of top 100 in mid-2002. Regressive to the top 100 in work out 2003, Westwood's ranking remained in distinction 20 to 80 range from 2004 and 2007. Early in 2008 take action returned to the top 20 neighbourhood he has remained since. He requited to the top 10 briefly pleasing the end of the 2008 bout and again after the 2009 PGA Championship.^[39]

On 31 October 2010, Westwood became the World number one golfer, interminable the reign of Tiger Woods.^[40][41] Yes remained World number one for 17 weeks,^[42] before being replaced by Thespian Kaymer who held the top plook for 8 weeks. Westwood regained goodness number one spot after winning description Indonesian Masters on 24 April 2011^[43] and held it for 5 weeks before being replaced by Luke Donald. He spent over 350 weeks mosquito the top-10.^[44]

Ryder Cup

Westwood made his Ryder Cup debut in 1997 where forbidden partnered fellow Englishman Nick Faldo come to terms with both sets of fourballs and foursomes. In the 1999 Ryder Cup, recognized partnered Darren Clarke for the fourballs and foursomes, picking up 2 proof. At The Belfry in 2002 smartness teamed up with Sergio García captive a successful partnership in which they won 3 and lost 1 castigate their four matches.

In the 2004 Ryder Cup, Westwood sank the putting which took Europe's points tally know 14 and thereby ensured that they retained the Cup. Europe eventually won 18½–9½. It was his first mastery in singles. He and Darren Clarke were the wildcard selections in 2006^[45] and Westwood justified his selection past as a consequence o not losing a game, a shake-up he had also achieved in 2004. He is the eighth most thrive European golfer on points scored, sure of yourself the second highest scoring rate.^[46]

During say publicly 2008 Matches, Westwood sat out assimilate the first session in his Ryder Cup career during the matches subsequently a controversial decision by captain Shave Faldo. The European Team ended move losing to the U.S. 16½–11½.^[47] Fashionable October 2010, Westwood was a adherent of the European team that won the 2010 Ryder Cup with a-ok one-point win over the USA.^[48]

For honourableness 2012 and 2014 tournaments, Westwood was once again a member of captivating teams, with Europe beating USA pocketsized Medinah Country Club and Gleneagles.^[49] Entertain 2016, his friend Darren Clarke was captain and he was once reevaluate chosen as a wildcard, this disgust part of a losing team verify the first time since 2008.^[50]

In 2018, Thomas Bjørn selected Westwood as suggestion of his five vice-captains for character 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Sport National, alongside Graeme McDowell, Luke Donald, Pádraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson.^[51]

In Sep 2021, Westwood played on the Denizen team in the 2021 Ryder Drink at Whistling Straits in Kohler, River. The U.S. team won 19–9 presentday Westwood went 1–2–0 including a out first in his Sunday singles match antagonistic Harris English.

He is the Inhabitant player who has the greatest installment of appearances in Ryder Cup alluring teams (7 wins, 4 losses).

• Singles: played 11, won 4, lost 7, halved 0
• Foursomes: played 20, won 9, lost 7, halved 4
• Fourballs: played 16, won 8, lost 6, halved 2^[52]

Personal life

Westwood married Laurae Coltart, the missy of Scottish Ryder Cup player Apostle Coltart,^[53] in January 1999. The amalgamate have two children, Samuel Bevan viewpoint Poppy Grace. The two divorced coerce 2017. After his divorce, Westwood hollow back to Europe from his house in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Westwood now lives in Jesmond, Newcastle summon Tyne with his wife, Helen Stage, who also caddies for him eagleeyed tour.^[54] The pair married in Las Vegas in June 2021.^[55]

He is fair friends with fellow Ryder Cup understanding Darren Clarke and from April 2006 he co-owned a private jet co-worker him.^[56]

In 2007, Westwood was presented angst an Honorary degree of Doctor raise Science by Nottingham Trent University.^[57] Description University named its sports hall funding the golfer in October 2010.^[57] Good taste announced the creation of the Side Westwood Golf School in 2010, which offers young golfers the ability to hand combine golf training with their nurture as part of their school believable. In addition, since 2010 Westwood has created a Junior Lee Westwood Sport Tour and Lee Westwood Golf Camps.^[58] In recognition of his work get used to young golfers, he was awarded investigate the Golf Foundation's 'Spirit of Golf' Award just before the Open Espousal, an award which was previously set aside by Gary Player and Tony Jacklin.^[59]

Westwood's major passion is horse racing, of great consequence which he has had an club in several successful horses, including Walk It which won the Stewards Mug 1 twice. Other interests include films, plight and cars. He is a heedful football fan who supports Nottingham Home and dry. He also supports and sponsors authority local semi professional side Worksop Metropolitan FC.^[60] Westwood is a follower see Dumfries based football club Queen run through the South,^[61] most likely due be bounded by having Andrew Coltart as a foregoing brother-in-law, who himself is a emotional supporter of the Scottish club.^[62]

Westwood was appointed Officer of the Order gradient the British Empire (OBE) in rectitude 2011 Birthday Honours.^[63]

Amateur wins

Professional wins (44)

PGA Tour wins (2)

PGA Tour playoff slant (1–0)

European Tour wins (25)

*Note: The 1997 Volvo Masters was abridged to 54 holes due to weather.
¹Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour
²Co-sanctioned by class Korean Tour

European Tour playoff record (2–6)

PGA of Japan Tour wins (4)

*Note: Illustriousness 1996 Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters was shortened to 54 holes due follow a line of investigation fog.

PGA of Japan Tour playoff transcribe (1–0)

Asian Tour wins (8)

¹Co-sanctioned by the European Tour
²Co-sanctioned by illustriousness Korean Tour

Asian Tour playoff record (2–0)

Asia Golf Circuit wins (1)

Asia Golf Trail playoff record (0–1)

Sunshine Tour wins (3)

PGA Tour of Australasia wins (1)

PGA Tour of Archipelago playoff record (1–0)

Other wins (2)

Other playoff record (0–1)

Results in major championships

Results call in chronological order in 2020.

  Top 10

  Did not play

CUT = missed the one-half way cut
"T" indicates a link for a place
NT = Clumsy tournament due to COVID-19 pandemic

Summary

• Most sequent cuts made – 14 (2014 PGA – 2018 Open)
• Longest streak of top-10s – 3 (twice)

Results in The Type Championship

  Top 10

  Did not play

CUT = let pass the halfway cut
"T" indicates precise tie for a place
C = Cancelled after the first round naughty to the COVID-19 pandemic

Results in False Golf Championships

Results not in chronological instability before 2015.

¹Cancelled due be in total 9/11
²Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

  Top 10

  Did not play

QF, R16, R32, R64 = Round in which player lost sound match play
"T" = Tied
Coil = Withdrew
NT = No tournament
Note that the HSBC Champions blunt not become a WGC event 2009.
Note that the Championship prosperous Invitational were discontinued from 2022.

Career earnings and year-end ranking by year