Westwood in frame for maiden major
Lee Westwood will be within touching distance of leader Jordan Spieth when he tees off in the final round of the Masters on Sunday.
The Englishman's rounds of 71, 75 and 71 have left him at one over par for the first major of the year, four shots behind the indomitable Texan.
Westwood's chance looked to be over when he rolled in his fourth bogey of the day on the ninth. However, the former world number one enjoyed a superlative home stretch, draining four birdies on his way to a one-under 71.
"To be at one over par and have a chance going into Sunday is great," said the 42-year-old on europeantour.com.
"I hung in there around the front nine, I always think the front nine plays tough when it's hard conditions, there aren't that many birdie chances and there are a lot of bogey chances.
"And then around the back nine you know you can make a few birdies. You can be a bit more aggressive. I took advantage of those holes."
The wind on the first day and the extremely firm greens have lead to some fairly high scores around Augusta. Westwood confirmed that it has been quite a challenge.
"It's not been easy," he added.
"Billy [Foster, caddie] and I were talking coming up 18, we think it's the three hardest days either of us have ever had at Augusta."
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy not impressed as Brooks Koepka becomes latest big name to join LIV
The world number two labelled the players who have joined the new series as “duplicitous” for the way they have handled their breakaway.
-
The OpenR&A confirms LIV Golf Series players will be allowed to compete at Open
The 150th Open Championship will get underway at St Andrews in three weeks’ time.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick turns to other major winners for advice on dealing with fame
Fitzpatrick won the US Open on Sunday.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka set to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series
Koepka’s brother Chase played in the opening event at Centurion Club earlier this month.
-
US OpenGary Player urges Matt Fitzpatrick to avoid ‘poison’ of modern-day coaching
Player tells US Open champion Fitzpatrick to learn from mistakes of recent major winners, saying: “The teaching today is the worst it has ever been.”
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster ready for ‘long party’ after US Open win
Foster won his first major after a 40-year career which includes spells working for the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick backed to become a dominant force after winning first major
The Englishman claimed his first major title at Brookline.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick: A Blade with plenty of support who can really cut it
The Sheffield golfer landed his first major – and first professional win in America – at Brookline on Sunday.
-
US OpenMixed emotions for Rory McIlroy after US Open disappointment
McIlroy finished joint fifth at Brookline.
-
US OpenGolfing world and beyond react to Matt Fitzpatrick’s US Open victory
The 27-year-old held off Will Zalatoris and world number one Scottie Scheffler to win by one stroke at Brookline.