Westwood loves the pressure

Lee Westwood says he relishes being under pressure in competitive situations as he gears up for a major.
Lee Westwood says he relishes being under pressure in competitive situations as he gears up for a major.
“I just like to be competitive. I like to have that feeling of needing to make three- and four-footers on the green and that extra pressure,” he told www.pgatour.com.
“Hopefully get into contention, have some pressure put on me the week before a major championship just so if it happens the following week you’re accustomed to it and it’s happened recently.”
The US Open starts next week, and the pairings have been announced, with Westwood to tee off alongside Luke Donald and Martin Kaymer for the opening two rounds.
Westwood is playing in the FedEx St. Jude Classic this week, and while he’s posted solid rounds, he is not really in contention with one round left play, nine shots off Robert Karlsson’s lead. Still, he believes playing in Memphis just prior to the US Open will keep him sharp.
With scorching temperatures Memphis this week, and more sweltering heat expected next week in Maryland, there is a chance of fatigue, but the world No 2 says he is not worried about that and is used to playing in hot climates.
“It was hotter than this (Memphis) in Indonesia a few weeks back when I won and then the following week I followed it up with a win, so it’s not really something.
“You can see what a physical specimen I am right now, so it’s something I just get on with,” he joked.
With the world’s top three players set to tee off together in the US Open, Westwood is set to receive a lot of extra media attention. Of the three, however, only Kaymer has so far tasted major glory.
Latest
-
PGA Tour
JT Poston completes wire-to-wire victory at John Deere Classic
England’s Callum Tarren bogeyed two of his last four holes en route to a one-under 70 as he was forced to settle for equal-sixth place.
-
European Tour
Adrian Meronk makes history for Poland as David Law celebrates Open berth
Meronk’s flying finish made him his country’s first winner on the DP World Tour.
-
News
Paul Casey becomes latest player to join LIV Golf series
He opted out of the inaugural Saudi International on the European Tour in 2019 citing concerns over the country’s human rights record.
-
European Tour
Adrian Meronk has the edge as he aims to make Tour history for Poland
A third round of 68 at Mount Juliet means a one-shot advantage on a crowded leaderboard.
-
European Tour
Shane Lowry birdies last four holes to make Irish Open cut
Jorge Campillo tops the leaderboard at the midway point.
-
European Tour
Keith Pelley hits back at 16 players threatening DP World Tour with legal action
Pelley says the sanctions against players who competed in the first LIV Golf event are ‘proportionate’ and ‘fair’.
-
PGA Tour
JT Poston takes two-shot lead at John Deere Classic
The 29-year-old also became the first player on record to open consecutive Tour events with 62 or better.
-
European Tour
Ryan Fox surprised to be leading after opening round of Horizon Irish Open
The New Zealander carded a flawless 64 to set the pace at Mount Juliet.
-
News
Defiant Lee Westwood does not believe playing in LIV should harm Ryder Cup hopes
Westwood doesn’t agree with penalties and sanctions.
-
News
Shane Lowry welcomes closer ties between Tours in response to threat from LIV
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced the next phase of their strategic alliance.