Top 5: Lee Westwood’s greatest Ryder Cup moments
One of the greatest Ryder Cup players to have ever graced the game, Lee Westwood has been handed a chance to write another chapter in his already bulging Ryder Cup history book.
The 43-year-old has been selected as one of captain Darren Clarke’s three wildcards along with Martin Kaymer and Thomas Pieters for the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine.
This will be Westwood’s 10th consecutive Ryder Cup and he will be aiming to surpass Sir Nick Faldo as Europe’s highest points scorer.
He has had many highlights in his illustrious Ryder Cup career. Here are some of greatest ever moments in Team Europe’s colours.
5. Fresh-faced Lee’s Ryder Cup debut
A 24-year-old Lee Westwood joined a European team in 1997 packed full of experienced superstars, including Colin Montgomerie, Ian Woosnam and Jose Maria Olazabal.
Westwood was paired with Sir Nick Faldo on four occasions and the duo managed two wins but also lost twice.
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He lost his singles match 3&2 to Jeff Maggert, however Europe, captained by Seve Ballesteros, would win the cup thanks to a 14.5-13.5 scoreline.
4. Top form in 2010
A 37-year-old Westwood went into the 2010 instalment at Celtic Manor flying high as the No 3 in the world.
He took that superb form into the doubles sessions, forming a strong partnership with both Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald. Westwood clocked up 2.5 points for Europe as Colin Montgomerie’s side claimed a 14.5-13.5 victory.
3. The Miracle of Medinah
Europe were 10-6 down heading into the singles matches on Sunday in 2012.
And at a crucial time when you want your big names to deliver, Westwood beat Matt Kuchar 3&2 to draw Europe level at 12-12.
Martin Kaymer would go on to beat Steve Stricker and cap a sensational comeback.
2. Westwood claims first singles point at a pivotal moment
Westwood was going in search of his first win in Ryder Cup singles when he locked horns with Kenny Perry at Oakland Hills in 2004.
He sank the putt to beat Perry 1 up and that took Europe’s points tally to 14, ensuring that they retained the cup.
Europe, led by Bernhard Langer, would go on to thrash America 18.5-9.5 with Westwood remaining unbeaten throughout the competition.
1. Emotional scenes at The K Club
Darren Clarke, who was selected for the 2006 Ryder just mere weeks after the death of his wife Heather, and Lee Westwood were selected as Ian Woosnam’s two wildcards at The K Club.
Good friends Westwood and Clarke were paired together two times during the tournament and they sailed through both games to victory.
Ultra-reliable Westwood secured four points for Europe, and was unbeaten, as Woosnam’s men hammered America 18.5-9.5.
Europe’s win meant a great deal to Clarke and his emotions were clear for all to see after he beat Zach Johnson in their singles match.
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