Lee Westwood continues to chase his elusive first major title at the Open Championship, where he has now made 92 appearances, the most for any golfer without a victory. On Thursday, the 52-year-old Englishman embraced the experience of being back at Portrush for the first time since 2019, posting a solid opening round of two-under-par 69.
“It’s nice to see my name on the big yellow scoreboards and it’s nice to walk down the 18th here,” Westwood expressed, highlighting the significance of this moment for him as a British player. The Open is often regarded as the pinnacle event in golf for players from the UK, and Westwood is no stranger to the venue, having previously finished tied for fourth here.
His wife, Helen, who caddied for him during the round, faced some challenges due to rainy weather, but Westwood appreciates her support. The couple has a history of successes at Portrush, making it an easy choice for Westwood to have her on the bag. However, he joked about the difficulties of caddying in difficult conditions, noting that she might prefer to be at home with her horse.
Interestingly, Westwood’s journey to this year’s Open was not without its hiccups; a mix-up with his wife’s schedule led him to catch a taxi to the qualifying round at Dundonald Links. Despite a lack of sleep, he managed to exceed expectations, finishing at the top of the leaderboard.
While Westwood had not attempted to qualify for the Open in the previous two years, a shift to the LIV tour and a decrease in competitive ranking made the path to entry more complex. However, his return to Portrush has reignited his competitive spirit. He relishes links golf for its unique challenges and aligns with his playing style, which he believes can overcome the physical demands of distance.
In a notable parallel, 55-year-old Phil Mickelson also made a statement during the tournament, shooting a one-under-par 70, the best round he’s had at the Open since 2018. The experienced golfer reflects on how mastering links golf played a key role in his past successes.
With promising performances from seasoned golfers like Westwood and Mickelson, the tournament showcases the resilience and competitive edge that come with experience in the sport. Their tenacity speaks to the heart of golf, where skill and strategy can overcome age and adversity, leaving fans hopeful for what is yet to come in the championship.