Westwood has Major belief
Lee Westwood insists his Open Championship disappointment has simply strengthened his belief that he can win a major.
The 40-year-old saw American Phil Mickelson steal his thunder at Muirfield on Sunday when, after heading into the final round with a two-shot lead, he ultimately had to make do with a share of third place.
But asked if yet another near-miss had increased his hunger to finally break his duck, Westwood said: “No, not really, I was hungry anyway.
“No, it didn’t, it just re-affirmed that I have got a good enough game.
“I just need to improve my technique a little bit and work on my consistency. But my short game and putting were fantastic and mentally I was a lot better than for the last few chances I have had.”
Westwood has had seven top-three major finishes since 2008 and has seen Ryder Cup colleagues Graeme McDowell, Darren Clark, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose claim titles in the meantime.
However, he does not need to take any extra inspiration from their heroics.
He said: “I know I am capable of winning major championships. I don’t really pay too much attention to what everybody else is doing.”
Westwood will have to wait only a fortnight for his next chance to lift a major title when he heads for the US PGA at the Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, and rather than dwell on what happened in Scotland last week, he is taking he positives out of his performance.
He said: “In a couple of weeks’ time, there’s another major championship, the US PGA, and there are still a lot of big tournaments for the rest of this year, so hopefully I can get into contention and keep this form up and get in the habit of winning again.
“It (Oak Hill) is a good golf course. It’s your typical old American-style tradition golf course, tree-lined and some undulations.
“The greens will be very fast – they will no doubt grow the rough up on the sides of the fairways. But I am driving the ball well and it should suit me.”
