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Westwood - I nearly quit
European number one admits to almost quitting during slump
By Rachel Griffiths Last updated: 23rd November 2009 
Westwood: Almost quit
I was ready to give up the game when I shot an 81 at Slaley Hall and missed the cut.
Lee Westwood
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Newly-crowned European number one Lee Westwood has admitted a disheartening slump in form earlier in the decade almost saw him quit the sport.
The Briton, who triumphed in the season-ending Dubai World Championship by six strokes to finish top of the European Tour money-list, confessed he had been ready to give up the game during a particular low point of his career.
"I've been through a lot in the last eight, nine years," said Ryder Cup stalwart Westwood.
"I know what it's like to play poorly. I was ready to give up the game when I shot an 81 (in the first round of the 2001 Great North Open) at Slaley Hall and missed the cut."
Westwood won six times in 2000 to finish the year at the top of the order of merit, but only two years later the 36-year-old plunged to 246th in the world rankings.
Turnaround
The Englishman has since completely turned his career around, capping off an outstanding year by coping admirably under the strain in Dubai to finish with an eight-under 64.
"I certainly turned up to tournaments with low expectations," added Westwood.
"I'm incredibly proud to be European number one again. The whole weekend (in Dubai) was my best ever. I stuck it out on the last two days under what was going to be the most severe of pressure."
Now back in the world's top four for the first time in eight years, Westwood believes his maturity is responsible for his return to form.
"I'm a much more mature player now, I've got a more rounded game," he said.
"There are less flaws, less weaknesses.
"In 2000 I was young, in my 20s. I'm 36 now which isn't old by any means but it is experienced.
"When you are young you have bravado, that's been replaced by experience."
Westwood L v McIlroy R RTD Match Bet: Westwood L 8/13
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Comments (4)
George Young says...
In the years when Lee was in a slump along with Nick Faldo we had to put up with nick`s tantrums while Lee still behaved with dignity. Welcome back Lee.
Posted 15:22 27th November 2009
Steve Caddick says...
Well done Lee... now go and win a major because unfortunatley that is what you'll be judged on come the end of your career - just ask Monty!!
Posted 16:07 24th November 2009
Yen chong Yap says...
Lee, you played a fantastic game and you are truly a worthy winner and the European No.1. Some of my friends were a bit annoyed by my over-zealous support to you to win the Dubai while watching Live. You are one of my favourite players and I want you to win at least a Major in year 2010, and then many more to come.
Posted 04:20 24th November 2009
Mk Damodaran says...
According to news reports,England's Lee Westwood won the Dubai world championship golf tournament.It is immensely interesting to note that Westwood and Sachin were born on the same date-April 24,1973.
Posted 15:51 23rd November 2009