Holding back the tears: Emotional Westwood ends winless run
What happened at the Nedbank Golf Challenge?
Lee Westwood landed his first European Tour win for 1,666 days.
The Gary Player Country Club hosted a world-class leaderboard, and Westwood used all his experience to see out an emotional victory.
It was Sergio Garcia was leading after 54-holes but a bogey on the opening hole had him on the back-foot.
Westwood made his intentions clear on a track where he’s won twice before, carding eagle on the 2nd and a birdie at the 8th.
Home favourite Louis Oosthiuzen got the crowds cheering after he made three birdies in a row at the turn but saw his chances slip away with a three-putt on 15.
Westwood made two further birdies at 16 and 17 which allowed him to close out the 43rd win of his professional career.
His final round 64 was the the low-round of the week.
Final Nedbank Golf Challenge leaderboard
Talking Point
Many thought Lee Westwood’s career was winding down – especially after four months on the sidelines at the start of the calendar year.
But at 45 he has one of the biggest wins of his career, having been a model of consistency since his return at Wentworth.
A play-off defeat in Denmark seemed to relight a fire in the former World No. 1. Since then, his only genuine blip was a missed cut at the British Masters. And let’s not forget he chaperoned a winning Ryder Cup side and threatened at Valderrama.
The strength of the field was against him and this will match any achievement on his CV.
A victory full of emotion and the overriding factor that Westwood himself even doubted his ability to win again. And, with his girlfriend Helen Storey on the bag, it was all sealed with a kiss.
Best Quote
Ever wonder how much winning means to these guys?
This much… ? pic.twitter.com/Yjs27NfPOC
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 11, 2018
Highlights
The best of @WestwoodLee's winning 64 in 180 seconds ?#NGC2018 #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/IJTuLf0ukL
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 11, 2018
? 1x win
? 3x top 10s
? €1 million+ madeA 2018 to remember @WestwoodLee?pic.twitter.com/3ZC6daZ7BP
— National Club Golfer (@NCGMagazine) November 11, 2018
4 years and 1,666 days later. @WestwoodLee is a European Tour winner again. ?#NGC2018pic.twitter.com/7dQiWfDFmS
— National Club Golfer (@NCGMagazine) November 11, 2018
European Tour schedule 2018-19
PGA Tour schedule 2018-19
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
