Golf: Westwood relaxed over Open bid

LYTHAM: Lee Westwood is hoping that a relaxed attitude, familiarity with the golf course and a slice of luck at the right time will see him finally win a major title at the British Open this week. The 39-year-old is firmly established as the nearly-man of world golf with eight top-10 finishes in the past 10 majors, including runner-up showings at the 2010 Masters and British Open. For most players, it would all add to the pressure going into Royal Lytham, where Westwood is hoping to become the first Englishman to win the Open on home turf since Tony Jacklin’s triumph here in 1969. “I think I’ve gotten more relaxed and just sort of played and let the cards fall where they may, really,” said Westwood. “I don’t find myself pressing particularly harder. The preparations have gone well. My game is in good shape.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2012.