LIV Golf star seals The Open return after | Sports 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 as a consequence of his affiliation with the controversial collection and plummeting to No. 4,639 within the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

Yet, the 52-year-old confirmed he nonetheless has what it takes by main the pack at Dundonald Links in Scotland with a seven-under-par, incomes his spot on 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 simply trying ahead to having fun with the week at Portrush. Seeing a few previous buddies and having fun with that golf course. For me, it is within the prime three hyperlinks programs within 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 prime abilities with out a main title to his title, Westwood appeared to have missed his window. With LIV Golf nonetheless 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 of the best golfers on the planet pretty. And it is gone to this point that I do not see how it might come back from the outlet that it is in as a result of you’ll be able to’t backdate them.”

However, for the subsequent fortnight, Westwood can set apart these grievances; the English golfer has been granted one other shot at a main championship, regardless of seeming like that chance 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 within the qualifier at Royal Cinque Ports, whereas Horsfield was disqualified after simply 9 holes at West Lancs.