IRVINE, Scotland — Lee Westwood had rounds of 70-67 at Dundonald Hyperlinks to earn his means into The Open, his first main because the former world No. 1 joined Saudi-funded LIV Golf three years in the past.
Westwood was amongst 20 gamers who earned their locations at Royal Portrush by way of Last Regional Qualifying, held over 4 programs in England and Scotland, every awarding 5 spots. He was amongst three LIV gamers from the 15 who confirmed up for qualifiers.
Westwood, a 52-year-old from England with 25 titles on the European tour and three Order of Advantage titles, led the 5 qualifiers at Dundonald at 7-under 137.
“I’ve all the time mentioned it is the best championship in golf and as a British participant you get phenomenal help,” Westwood mentioned. “I am simply wanting ahead to having fun with the week at Portrush, seeing just a few outdated pals and having fun with that golf course.”
The Open is July 17-20 at Royal Portrush in Northern Eire, the place Shane Lowry received in 2019. Westwood was one shot out of the lead by way of 36 holes earlier than tying for fourth, 9 pictures behind Lowry.
The checklist of qualifiers contains Richard Teder, who will turn out to be the primary participant from Estonia to compete in golf’s oldest championship. Simply getting there was fairly a experience. Teder was set to be among the many 5 qualifiers at West Lancashire till a double bogey on the ultimate gap.
That put him in a four-man playoff for the final two spots, and Teder secured his place by holing out from the green for eagle.
Two different LIV Golf gamers, Lucas Herbert of Australia and Dean Burmester of South Africa, additionally earned spots in The Open. Herbert led qualifiers at West Lancashire, whereas Burmester led the way in which at Royal Cinque Ports.
Graeme McDowell, who grew up at Portrush, was amongst 5 LIV gamers who missed out at Royal Cinque Ports. That included Ian Poulter and his 21-year-old son Luke, who performs at Florida and was an alternate on the U.S. Open final month.
Seven different LIV gamers did not make it, both ending outdoors the highest 5 or withdrawing in the midst of the spherical. Three others withdrew earlier than it began. LIV Golf wrapped up an occasion in Dallas on Sunday, and gamers needed to fly straight to the U.Okay. for qualifying.
Westwood was No. 1 on the earth towards the top of 2010. He as soon as was thought-about among the many greatest by no means to have received a serious, twice a runner-up on the Masters and lacking out on a playoff by one shot on the U.S. Open (2008 at Torrey Pines) and British Open (2009 at Turnberry).
Data from the Related Press was used on this report.
