Ernie backing Westwood
Ernie Els believes that Lee Westwood could end his major duck at next week’s Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes.
Ernie Els believes that Lee Westwood could end his major duck at next week’s Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes.
Westwood will be taking part in his 58th major and has never finished higher than third in any of the year’s big four events.
Despite having held the world number one ranking, the lack of a major has haunted the Englishman, with many questioning his credentials.
However, Els feels that this year’s Open may just be the one where the 39-year-old puts all of those doubts to bed.
“Lee’s really paid his dues. If there’s one man that deserves one it’s him,” said the South African.
“I wouldn’t say he’s running out of time. He’s as strong as an ox, working out and doing all the right things.
“He’s been doing that for quite some time, but it just hasn’t fallen his way for some other reasons.
“It could be his week – Lytham is a ball-striker’s dream and he’s a ball-striker.”
Like Westwood, the world’s current top ranked player, Luke Donald, doesn’t have any major silverware in his cabinet. Els believes that Donald’s time will come, with lady luck all that he requires.
“He’s number one in the world and when he’s on his game he’s one of the best drivers of the ball,” said Els.
“It’s all there, it’s just a matter of a bit of luck falling your way and making the right putts.”
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