Westwood clinches No1 spot in Dubai
ENGLAND’S Lee Westwood celebrated the best performance of his career after victory at the Dubai World Championship saw him crowned Europe’s top player for the second time.
Westwood shot a course-record 64 to end the tournament 23 under par, a massive six shots ahead of his closest challenger, compatriot Ross McGowan.
The triumph earned the 36-year-old a £750,000 first prize, as well as almost £900,000 for topping the European Tour’s inaugural Race to Dubai.
And Westwood, who came into the tournament trailing Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy, shed tears of elation after sealing his double win.
“I’m a bit speechless really. In all fairness I think that’s about as good as I’ve ever played under this pressure,” said Westwood, who won a record £3.8m in 2009 and celebrated his winning putt with an arms-aloft salute – a tribute to his friend, England cricket star Andrew Flintoff.
“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.”
It was Westwood’s second Order of Merit triumph, having landed the prize in 2000. On that occasion he had to overhaul Darren Clarke, and this time it was 20-year-old McIlroy, who had stayed in touch with Westwood all weekend only to be blown away on the final day.
McIlroy, bidding to be the youngest European No1 since Seve Ballesteros 33 years ago, carded a 67 to finish third, eight shots behind Westwood.
The Ulsterman vented his frustration by lodging his club into an advertising hoarding as the Race to Dubai title slipped away.
But, perhaps mollified after trousering a £960,000 cheque for tournament and tour prize money, he generously praised Westwood.
“Lee deserves it. It’s an unbelievable amount of money but that’s not why I was playing today. I was trying to win,” McIlroy said.
“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.”