Westwood On Likely Final Ryder Cup Match - "I Got To Share It With My Son"
Westy is expected to be Europe's next captain after what is likely to be his final Ryder Cup appearance as a player
Westy is expected to be Europe's next captain after what is likely to be his final Ryder Cup appearance as a player
Lee Westwood defeated Harris English 1up on Sunday at Whistling Straits in what will likely be his final Ryder Cup match.
He came back from two down to win three of the final four holes to mark an incredible Ryder Cup career.
The former World No.1 made his 11th appearance for Team Europe and has now competed in 47 matches - matching Phil Mickelson for the most games played.
The Englishman is expected to be Europe's next captain for Rome in 2023 and admits that he probably won't play in the match again.
"This match I played this afternoon, it might be the last match I've played in The Ryder Cup," Westwood said.
"I'd rather it wasn't, but I'm 49 next April, and the likelihood is it is. I got to share it with my son. Won my point.
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"I hate this tournament. It makes you so emotional, but that's what makes it great as well.
"Everybody knows when they tee up in the links-style golf course, Ryder Cup, it's a lottery.
"You have a chance of winning but it's not guaranteed. Like roulette.
"But they are special moments out there.
"You know, we get to represent Europe out there this week. It's a big place. The other team gets to represent the USA. Big place.
"Represent a lot of people. If you haven't got pride and passion, then it's not for you. Don't even bother turning up."
WATCH: Tearful McIlroy - "I should have done more"
Westwood made his first Ryder Cup appearance at Valderrama in 1997 and has been on seven winning teams in his 11 appearances.
Europe fell to the worst defeat in the history of the match since it joined the Ryder Cup in 1979.
USA won 19-9, sealing the final day singles by eight points to four.
Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: Titleist TSi2
Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1
Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Ball: Srixon Z Star XV
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