Westy - My biggest moment

Englishman revels in 'Race to Dubai' victory

Last updated: 23rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Lee Westwood cut an emotional figure after winning the Dubai World Championship and the inaugural 'Race to Dubai' in the process.

The 36-year-old scooped a jackpot of more than £1.6million after romping to a six-shot victory over the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, but just as importantly ensured he finished the season as European number one for a second time.

"I'm a bit speechless really," he said after finishing on an incredible 23-under-par total over the second longest lay-out ever on the circuit.

"In all fairness I think that's about as good as I've ever played under this pressure.

"It's definitely the biggest moment of my golfing life to date. I knew that before I set out and it gives me a lot of confidence that I was able to hold myself together - until now."

Westwood went on to reveal that McIlroy had provided him with a huge fillip after the first round of the season-ending tournament by admitting he was happy not to be paired with his closest rival in the second.

"It was obviously a massive feather in my cap," Westwood continued. "There's nothing worse to say than that if you're Rory - and he will learn from that - and there's nothing better for me than a competitor to say they are glad they are not playing with me.

"I read it in the press. I wouldn't have said it, but I've been on tour 16 years and he's been on tour three.

"Sometimes what you say off the golf course and the mind games you play are as important as the pressure you can put on people on the course."

No secret

Of the secret to his success in Dubai, Westwood added: "The secret was that there was no secret. It was making everybody else think I had a secret when I didn't really.

"The big turnaround in confidence was catching Billy (his caddie Billy Foster) at the beach party on Tuesday.

"He'd probably just had enough Heineken to tell me what he really thought. He said I'd been paying too much attention to the other people around me.

"He said 'You've been out here 16 years, that's longer than all three of them put together (McIlroy, Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher were the only players left in the race to be number one) and you've won 30 times, which is more than them put together'.

"It's a terrible word to use because I hate it, but he said 'You've got to bully them'. That's why I've been confident all week."

McIlroy magnanimous

McIlroy, part of the same management stable as Westwood, was magnanimous in defeat and rightly proud of his own superb season.

"Lee deserves it," said the Northern Ireland star. "I have no complaints. I gave it my best shot and it's been a great season, but Lee is just in a different class.

"Most times coming here leading and then finishing third would be good enough, but even if I'd played well I'm not sure I could have got to 23-under.

"Lee's been through the highs and lows of this game and he's back.

"He's played fantastically well for two years and I suppose this is his reward for persevering."

Comments (4)

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Anthony Else says...

what a superb display by lee probably the best round ive ever seen.i feel proud to be a westy fan of long standing. heres to 2010 and a major.fantastic.

Posted 22:00 22nd November 2009

Ben Mannix says...

As a fellow professional I could not be happier for Lee. He is a true pro in the game and a huge benefit to European and world golf. I must also add a big compliment to Pete Cowen, his long time coach, for his continuous work with Lee and all his golfers. Oh and i'm sure there will be drinks to had!

Posted 17:14 22nd November 2009

Chris Sargent says...

I can't play golf at all, but watching Lee Westwood makes me wish I could. I always watch when he is playing because with him being a Nottinghamshire lad & also a big Forest fan he brings a great lot of pleasure to a lot of people. So congratulations on your victory & also being No1 in Europe. Let's hope next year we will be toasting a MAJOR to you.

Posted 17:06 22nd November 2009

Alastair Clunie says...

Well done Lee, your hard work has paid off... roll on 2010!

Posted 16:17 22nd November 2009
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