It is usually not the most desirable of milestones, but for Lee Westwood, dressed in bright purple and with fist pumping on the final green at the Malaysian Open, turning 40 was nothing to be shy about.
He had plenty reason to celebrate. On Sunday, the Englishman blitzed the field in Kuala Lumpur, sealing a seven-shot victory to break a tournament drought stretching back 22 months. It had been oh so long since win No 39; too long for someone of his talent.
Yet, to use modern parlance, Westwood has been trending in the right direction. Having in the past 16 months relocated to America, switched caddies and swapped coaches, the former world No 1 has understandably taken a while to feel comfortable on the course again, but he is now reaping the rewards.
A top-20 finish at the Shell Houston Open two weeks ago suggested a return to form, and seventh at last week’s Masters should be viewed only in the positive.
Yes, Westwood began Sunday three off the lead, and dropped three shots in the opening four holes, but he confirmed progress on the range – specifically on his short game – is finally being translated into tournament play.
Admittedly, sterner tests await in the build-up to the US Open. However, his Malaysian masterclass was as timely as it was telling. This is Ryder Cup year, remember, and an on-song Westwood is vital if Europe are to keep their American rivals at bay.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
European Tour
Winning a major may not have happened for Lee Westwood as he fell short again at the US Masters earlier this month, but he continues to prove a force, when on form, on the European Tour. He dominated the Malaysian Open last weekend, winning by seven shots, and the Englishman was always in charge after an opening round 65. Nicolas Colsaerts, Louis Oosthuizen and Bernd Wiesberger finished tied for second.
PGA Tour
Good things come to those who wait and after two close calls, Matt Kuchar finally had something to celebrate on Sunday as he won the RBC Heritage. The American, 35, had missed out in a play-off at the Houston Open, and then finished joint fifth at the US Masters, but a final round 64, including an excellent escape shot from a bunker on the 18th, saw him prevail in Louisana.
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