Nedbank Challenge: Lee Westwood wins first European Tour title for four years
Last updated on .From the section Golf
| Final leaderboard |
|---|
| -15 Westwood (Eng); -12 Garcia (Spa); -11 Oosthuizen (SA); -8 Fisher (Eng); -7 Li (Chn), Wallace (Eng) |
| Selected others: -1 McIlroy (NI); E Johnson (Eng), Fitzpatrick (Eng); +1 Lowry (Ire), Harrington (Ire); +4 Willett (Eng) |
England's Lee Westwood shot a stunning eight-under-par 64 to win the Nedbank Challenge - his first victory on the European Tour for four years.
The former world number one took the outright lead from Louis Oosthuizen with a birdie at 17, completing the back nine in 31 to finish on 15 under.
The South African's challenge faded as he finished third on 11 under behind Spain's overnight leader Sergio Garcia.
"I'm a bit emotional to be honest," said a tearful Westwood, 45.
He told Sky Sports: "You're never sure whether you're going to be able to do it again.
"Until now my emotions felt really under control all day, which is what I've been working hard on. I was just trying to hit fairways, stick to my game-plan and hit it in the right places.
"I've got a bit of a process I'm going through with my golf swing, I'm starting to see better shots; the seven iron into 17 is probably one of the best shots I've ever hit and it all just worked."
Westwood, who carded six birdies and an eagle on the second hole in his round, celebrated with caddie and girlfriend Helen Storey after holing a putt on the 18th.
The win was Westwood's 24th on the European Tour and his third at the Nedbank.
Oosthuizen carded a 69, with a damaging bogey on the 15th and then finishing with double bogey on the 18th.
Garcia hit a 70 as his two-shot lead from round three disappeared.
England's Ross Fisher (70) was fourth on eight under, a shot ahead of compatriot Matt Wallace (67).
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy (71) finished in a tie for 21st on one under.
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mikec
the2ironkid
mikec
Though with wedge play I’d give Rory a run for his money🤣
the2ironkid
not enough keys on my keyboard to tell you my highest world ranking but I'd still take him on in a pitch/chip/putt competition!
like I said, nice guy, no doubt...but when the golfing history books are written, he won't feature and that, my friend, is another truism!
mikec
But he "did" get there though didn't he??
Your highest World Ranking is??
the2ironkid
@29...consultation with my GP booked but won't change my view that LW is the biggest under-achiever in world golf
AndyB
golfrants
Looks as though someone with a 2 iron has hit himself repeatedly in the head with a dodgy swing.
Asako
the2ironkid
some total dreamers on here..."if he could putt, he'd be challenging TW for the number of majors"...OH PLEASE...get real!
I don't doubt he's a decent guy...but, as a golfer, he's a journeyman, with the short game of a single-figure handicapper and...NO BOTTLE!