Lee Westwood Looks to Bounce Back at the U.S. Open

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Pete South

Lee Westwood will be looking to have a strong showing at the U.S. Open.

While the past few months have seen Luke Donald grabbing most of the headlines for his spectacular run of form, many will see Lee Westwood as Britain’s best hope at this month’s US Open. Donald’s victory against his compatriot in the play-off of last month’s BMW PGA Championship saw him climb above Westwood at the top of the world rankings. While being knocked off top-spot in the rankings will have undoubtedly bothered Westwood, his recent record at majors is much better than his rival.

Some will still go on about the fact that ‘Westy’ is still without a major victory, but the fact is that only three of the world’s top-10 players have tasted victory at one of the four majors. Westwood has now managed to consistently challenge at majors over the past few seasons. Since 2008, Westwood has recorded five top-three finishes at majors, with a third place finish at the US Open three years ago. Anyone looking to bet on 2011 US Open action will have to decide if he has the mental toughness needed to go all the way.

The US Open hasn’t been Westwood’s most successful major but he has finished inside the top-10 on three occasions since making his debut in 1997. Last year’s tournament at Pebble Beach saw glimpses of Westwood at his best but the Englishman failed to maintain his form, dropping down to finish a tie for 16th. His form seems to be in a good place this year again and the course at the Congressional looks perfectly suited to his intelligent game and the US Open golf betting odds reflect this.

After spending 22 weeks at the top of the rankings Westwood will be desperate to reclaim top spot, but made it clear winning a major is still his main focus.

“Being number one in the world is a great accolade to have. When you sit down at the end of your career and say you were the best in the world or for people to say, pretty special to be the best in the world is lovely,” he said.

“But if you don’t finish tournaments off and win tournaments … that is basically what professional golfers try and do, you try and win, and that’s the main, important thing for me.”