Open Golf: Relaxed Westwood eyes first Major title

Lee Westwood will take a two-shot lead into the final day of the Open Championship as he chases a first Major triumph.

The Englishman ended yesterday on three-under-par after carding a one-under 70, which included birdies at the 7th, 14th and 17th as well as an eagle at the par-five fifth.

Westwood appeared very relaxed as he addressed the media after his round and does not anticipate feeling much pressure as he walks onto the course today.

“I’ll think about winning The Open Championship tonight at some stage, I’m sure,” said Westwood. “I don’t see anything wrong with that, picturing yourself holding the Claret Jug at the final tee and seeing your name at the top of the leaderboard.
Forget about it tomorrow, tee off down the first and focus on hitting it in the middle of the fairways with the first tee shot and then go from there “But when it comes to tee off around threeish, I should be in the same frame of mind as I was today. I didn’t feel any pressure today and felt nice and calm out there and in control of what I was doing.”

Westwood did acknowledge that he would have to put thoughts of lifting the Claret Jug out of his mind when he reaches the first tee, however.

“Forget about it tomorrow, tee off down the first and focus on hitting it in the middle of the fairway with the first tee shot and then go from there.

“The way this golf course is set up, it is a very strategic golf course. You have to plot your way around it. Most Major championships are like that. They grind you into the ground, even your game plan, and the way you attack the golf course.

“Mentally and physically it’s draining, and you just have to focus on the job at hand, and pile the pars up and try to make birdies wherever you can.”