Lee Westwood finished top of the leaderboard at Dundonald Links Lee Westwood booked his return to The Open after a three-year absence by winning his qualifier at Dundonald Links. The 52-year-old posted scores of 70 and 67 for a seven under par total in blustery Ayrshire. Across four different courses, Westwood was one of eight Englishmen to claim the 20 spots available at Royal Portrush from 17-20 July. "I've always said it's the greatest championship in golf," said Westwood, who finished in a tie for fourth at Portrush in 2019 and was runner-up at St Andrews in 2010. "As a British player, you get phenomenal support and I really enjoyed Portrush last time. "I won't really have any expectations. I'm playing at Valderrama next week in LIV and I'll try and sharpen my game up. "I think of any major championship, you can compete on links courses as a senior. Tom Watson proved that around Turnberry in 2009 and then Greg Norman a couple of years later at Birkdale. You have to use a bit of cunning and guile with the wind." Westwood, a former world number one, will be playing in his 28th Open and 93rd major, while Scottish duo Daniel Young and Connor Graham will be making their debuts after finishing in the top five at Dundonald. Blairgowrie amateur Graham had to come through a play-off with compatriot Paul O'Hara. Young, from Perth, said: "It's a big, big step in my career. "It's a tricky enough course and they set up a few tough pins, so you've just got to be pretty patient like I was this morning when I didn't probably have my best stuff. And then I strung together a lovely round this afternoon." Westwood's former Ryder Cup partner Ian Poulter came up short in his qualifying bid, while his son Luke was also in the field at Royal Cinque Ports. Both men finished in a tie for 13th on one under par after Poulter junior had been leading at halfway with a round of 67. Another Ryder Cup veteran and LIV player, Graeme McDowell, finished on the same mark, missing out on the chance to play a second Open at his hometown course. English trio Nathan Kimsey, Curtis Knipes and Sebastian Cave were among the top five finishers in Kent. Three more Englishmen - Harry Hall, Frazer Jones and OJ Farrell - came through at Burnham & Berrow, while George Bloor did the same at West Lancashire, finishing third on six under par.
Westwood wins at Dundonald to seal Open place
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Lee Westwood Qualifies for The Open Championship with Victory at Dundonald Links"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Lee Westwood has secured a spot at The Open Championship after winning his qualifier at Dundonald Links, marking his return to the prestigious event after a three-year absence. The 52-year-old golfer showcased his skills by finishing at the top of the leaderboard with impressive rounds of 70 and 67, totaling seven under par amidst challenging weather conditions in Ayrshire. His victory at Dundonald Links not only reinstates him in The Open but also highlights his enduring talent, as he was one of eight English players to earn one of the 20 available spots for the tournament set to take place at Royal Portrush from July 17-20. Westwood expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, "I've always said it's the greatest championship in golf," and reminisced about his previous experiences, including a tie for fourth at Portrush in 2019 and a runner-up finish at St Andrews in 2010.
In addition to Westwood's achievement, other notable players also qualified, including Scottish golfers Daniel Young and Connor Graham, who will be making their debuts at The Open after finishing in the top five at the qualifier. Young described the experience as a significant milestone in his career, while Graham had to navigate a playoff to secure his place. Notably, Westwood's former Ryder Cup partner Ian Poulter, along with his son Luke, fell short in their qualifying attempts, finishing tied for 13th at one under par. Another Ryder Cup veteran, Graeme McDowell, also missed out on the opportunity to compete at his hometown course. The event saw a strong English presence, with several players from England, including Nathan Kimsey, Curtis Knipes, and Sebastian Cave, among the top finishers across different qualifying sites, reflecting a competitive field gearing up for the upcoming championship.
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