Lee Westwood, often regarded as golf’s most notable bridesmaid, is known for his friendly demeanor and the notable absence of major victories in his career. He has been a close witness to some of golf’s most thrilling playoff moments, including the iconic 2008 U.S. Open showdown between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate, as well as the gripping 2009 British Open duel featuring Tom Watson and Stewart Cink. From 2009 to 2010, Westwood finished in the top three in four of five majors but sadly did not secure a win.
Recently, American audiences had a surprise when Westwood emerged near the top of the leaderboard at the British Open. He was not alone; golf legend Phil Mickelson, who famously bested Westwood in the 2010 Masters, also made a strong showing. Westwood’s round was sparked by three early birdies, and despite a couple of late bogeys, he finished the day at -2, trailing only behind clubhouse leaders Jacob Skov Olesen and Haotong Li by two strokes. This impressive performance comes from a player who is 52 years old and has not participated in any major tournaments since 2022. With his wife Helen Storey by his side as his caddy, Westwood qualified for the Open earlier this month, showcasing a remarkable comeback.
Reflecting on Westwood’s past, his series of near-misses in majors occurred during the 2000s and early 2010s—considered ancient history in the golf world. Over his career, he recorded three runner-up finishes and 12 top-5 placements, a testament to his consistent competitiveness.
In recent years, Westwood made headlines by joining LIV Golf, which led to a temporary exit from the traditional golf scene as he was on the verge of becoming a pivotal figure in the European Ryder Cup landscape. Nevertheless, his recent performance at the British Open has provided him with another opportunity to shine, possibly unlocking more days of competitive golf ahead.
This story illustrates both the challenges and resilience of athletes in the face of adversity. Westwood’s journey reflects that even at an advanced stage in one’s career, the spirit of competition can reignite, offering hope and inspiration.