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25 July 2008

 

Westwood’s 15 under par 273 total secured a five shot triumph from fellow countryman Ian Poulter, who shot 70 for a ten under par 278 total and admitted he had been floored by his rival’s birdie-eagle run on holes 16 and 17.

Fellow Worksop resident and Westwood’s good friend, overnight leader Mark Foster, shot 73 and finished third on nine under par 279.

Both Foster and Poulter threatened during an enthralling final round tussle between the trio, but Westwood pulled clear down the stretch – and the manner of his triumph was emphatic.

A packed 18th hole, from fairway to greenside grandstand, cheered Westwood home, and the delighted golfer said: "I am feeling very happy. I’ve had some special moments in my career here – and this one is right up there. I don’t think I’ve ever been clapped the entire length of the final hole, which is obviously very, very special."

On his round, he continued: "I barely put a foot wrong out there and made some key putts when I needed to on the back nine. 

"On the 16th, I holed a big 35 footer like that in the 2002 Ryder Cup against Tiger and Davis, and I said that to Alastair my caddie after it went in. We went on to lose that match in the last two holes, but this time I managed to follow it up with an eagle. That put the icing on the cake."

Westwood, who was able to celebrate with his wife Laurae, and two young children, Sam and Poppy, once completing his round, added: "The Quinn Direct British Masters is a great title on The European Tour and it was one of those I was building up to. It’s great to win it here at The Belfry. It’s only an hour away from where I live, so there’s a lot of family and friends here to support me."

Talking about rediscovering the winning habit, having claimed his 18th European Tour victory and second win of 2007, following his success at the Valle Romano Open de Andalucia, Westwood reflected: "I waited four years to win again, and it came in Spain earlier this year, so now I’ve got the second one, I’m very happy.

"I started to play well just around then and I started to get in contention more and more. Over the last three weeks, I feel I should have won one of the tournaments. I’ve had three top ten finishes, so felt good coming here and confident. It’s a course I enjoy playing because of the Ryder Cup and I’ve played very solidly."

Westwood acknowledged how crucial the birdie-eagle run on holes 16 and 17 was in deposing his challengers. He said: "The putt on 16 I knew was very fast and had a lot of break on it. Al thought I’d left it short, but I judged it right. It just managed to topple in. The one on 17 was pretty straight and getting the line was the critical thing.

"I knew it pretty much put me out of sight. With Ian behind me, I knew he hadn’t birdied 16 and was in the left hand rough on 17. I knew when I holed the eagle I’d have a four shot lead going down the last. But I was hitting it great all day, and driven it the best I’ve ever done. The drive up the last was great and took the pressure off, and my three iron was unlucky not to stay on the top level."

Runner-up Poulter commented: "The tank was empty after I saw Lee had gone birdie-eagle. If I had taken my chances today it would have been a different story. I can’t ask to play any better. I’ve played pretty flawless for a week but haven’t taken my chances.

"All credit to Lee. It was a brilliant afternoon with the three of us in it, and it’s nice to have a British winner. It’s just a shame it wasn’t me.

"But I am going to have a hell of a Saturday next week, getting married and I’m going to enjoy myself. Then after that I’ll take a well earned three weeks off and have a couple of drinks."

Foster, who led by two strokes overnight, took heart from his display during the tournament as he came close to capturing his maiden European Tour victory.

"It has been a great week and I’m sure when I reflect on it later tonight, that’s what I’ll be thinking. It is the first time I have led going into a final round, the first time I have slept on a lead. Everything is experience, so I have learnt a bit at least."

On his 73 and the day, he said: "It was an exciting afternoon. I had a tough start, a nervy start, which spoke for itself. I did well to hang in there and then from six through 12 I put myself right back in there and played really well. I then just hit one bad shot at the wrong time, on the 13th, and that put me out of the tournament."

Northern Ireland’s teenage prodigy, Rory McIlroy, shot a final round of 73 for a two over par 290 total to finish in 42nd place on his professional debut.

His verdict was: "My first event as a professional has gone well, better than most. I’d give myself a B-minus for the week. There’s room for improvement, as there always is.

"I’ve enjoyed the attention and signing autographs as professional. I can give stuff away now too, now I’m getting it free! It’s been absolutely fantastic and everyone has looked after me ever so well. I was expecting there to be a lot of interest in me, after the Open and Walker Cup, and with me turning pro at a big event like this. I was half-expecting it, so I think I’ve dealt with it pretty well.

"I’ve got a nice little pay-cheque of about £10-12,000, which is a nice start. What will I spend it on? I may take Holly to the cinema, but I’m actually going to be looking for a house next week. I’m going to move out, but I’m looking in Holywood because I want to be near enough to mum so that she can still do my washing for me!

"I shall have a nice little break this week to recuperate, before going to Scotland to have a good go at the dunhill links. Playing here this week has been good preparation for that. There may be some more woolly hats needed though – but I love links and I’m looking forward to it.

"Before then, I’m playing with my dad (Gerry) against Darren Clarke and his dad Godfrey in an exhibition match at Darren’s new course in Sligo. It should be good. My dad says he hasn’t been playing for two years, but he’s been practicing a lot. He played four times last week. He’s off two, Darren’s dad is off six, so Darren and I should just leave them to it I think!"

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