07/01/25 04:27:00
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07/01 16:25 CDT Lee Westwood qualifies for British Open, his first major since
joining LIV
Lee Westwood qualifies for British Open, his first major since joining LIV
IRVINE, Scotland (AP) --- Lee Westwood had rounds of 70-67 at Dundonald Links
to earn his way into the British Open, his first major since the former world
No. 1 joined Saudi-funded LIV Golf three years ago.
Westwood was among 20 players who earned their places at Royal Portrush through
Final Regional Qualifying, held over four courses in England and Scotland, each
awarding five spots. He was among three LIV players from the 15 who showed up
for qualifiers.
Westwood, a 52-year-old from England with 25 titles on the European tour and
three Order of Merit titles, led the five qualifiers at Dundonald at 7-under
137.
"I've always said it's the greatest championship in golf and as a British
player you get phenomenal support," Westwood said. "I'm just looking forward to
enjoying the week at Portrush, seeing a few old friends and enjoying that golf
course."
The Open is July 17-20 at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Shane Lowry
won in 2019. Westwood was one shot out of the lead through 36 holes before
tying for fourth, nine shots behind Lowry.
The list of qualifiers includes Richard Teder, who will become the first player
from Estonia to compete in golf's oldest championship. Just getting there was
quite a ride. Teder was set to be among the five qualifiers at West Lancashire
until a double bogey on the final hole.
That put him in a four-man playoff for the last two spots, and Teder secured
his place by holing out from the fairway for eagle.
Two other LIV Golf players, Lucas Herbert of Australia and Dean Burmester of
South Africa, also earned spots in The Open. Herbert led qualifiers at West
Lancashire, while Burmester led the way at Royal Cinque Ports.
Graeme McDowell, who grew up at Portrush, was among five LIV players who missed
out at Royal Cinque Ports. That included Ian Poulter and his 21-year-old son
Luke, who plays at Florida and was an alternate at the U.S. Open last month.
Seven other LIV players didn't make it, either finishing outside the top five
or withdrawing in the middle of the round. Three others withdrew before it
started. LIV Golf wrapped up an event in Dallas on Sunday, and players had to
fly straight to the U.K. for qualifying.
Westwood was No. 1 in the world toward the end of 2010. He once was considered
among the best never to have won a major, twice a runner-up at the Masters and
missing out on a playoff by one shot at the U.S. Open (2008 at Torrey Pines)
and British Open (2009 at Turnberry).
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
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