LIV Golf star seals The Open return after | Golf News

After a standout efficiency in ultimate qualifying on Tuesday, former world No. 1 Lee Westwood is set to compete in his first main championship since 2022, reminding followers of his expertise forward of The Open at Royal Portrush beginning on July 17.

Westwood, now a participant with LIV Golf, made headlines by lacking majors due to his affiliation with the controversial collection and plummeting to No. 4,639 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

Yet, the 52-year-old confirmed he still has what it takes by main the pack at Dundonald Links in Scotland with a seven-under-par, incomes his spot in this month’s prestigious match.

Claiming victory with rounds of 70 and 67, Westwood was one shot clear of rivals Daniel Young and Angel Hidalgo, as 5 invitations to Northern Ireland have been up for grabs. Jesper Sandborg and Connor Graham snagged the ultimate slots, with Graham edging out Paul O’Hara in a playoff to secure his invitation.

The seven-time Ryder Cup champion shared his enthusiasm about returning to the majors, telling reporters: “I’ve always said it’s the greatest championship in golf and as a British player you get phenomenal support. I really enjoyed Portrush last time. I finished fourth and played nicely.

“I’m just trying ahead to having fun with the week at Portrush. Seeing a few outdated mates and having fun with that golf course. For me, it is in the highest three hyperlinks programs in the British Isles.

“I think if you play golf to a high level, the major championships are the ones you want to play. They are the biggest tournaments. It’s always nice to test yourself on the toughest golf courses against the best players.”

Despite being one of the game’s high abilities without a main title to his title, Westwood appeared to have missed his window. With LIV Golf still not acknowledged by the OWGR, its gamers face hurdles in qualifying for majors, a level Westwood lamented final 12 months.

He expressed his frustration to Australian Golf Digest, saying, “I think the Official World Golf Ranking has got itself into a real hole,” and “It’s got itself to a point where it’s obsolete, really, if I’m being completely honest.

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“It’s managed to be so cussed that it no longer ranks all the best golfers in the world pretty. And it is gone so far that I do not see how it might probably come back from the opening that it is in because you may’t backdate them.”

However, for the next fortnight, Westwood can set apart those grievances; the English golfer has been granted one other shot at a main championship, despite seeming like that alternative had handed him by.

While Westwood had a second to relish, his Majesticks teammates Ian Poulter and Sam Horsfield did not share the identical fortune. Poulter ended up three photographs behind in the qualifier at Royal Cinque Ports, while Horsfield was disqualified after just 9 holes at West Lancs.