Westwood heads strong Matchplay field

Westwood going for a quick hat-trick

Lee Westwood will bid to win his third consecutive tournament when he tees it up at the Volvo World Matchplay Championship at the beautiful Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Andalucia on Thursday.

The World No.1, who won the World Matchplay in 2000 at its old home Wentworth, will be joined by a galaxy of world-class stars including all four reigning major champions – a first in the tournament’s illustrious 46-year history.

But that’s not the only landmark this week, as the championship takes on a new format - all 24 participants have been seeded accordingly and split into eight groups of three, with the top two players from each group progressing to the knock-out stages at the weekend.

“I played the new Volvo World Matchplay Championship at Finca Cortesin in 2009 and found the facilities to be truly world class, and the new ‘Champions League’ format is exciting,” said Westwood.

“This year, with an increased field of 24 of the best players in the world, the Volvo World Matchplay Championship is back to its very best and is a credit to The European Tour.

“The event transported itself well to southern Spain, and its new springtime date means we have two huge events back-to-back on The European Tour in May, with big prize money and vital Race to Dubai and World Ranking points on offer.”

Westwood will open his account against Denmark’s Anders Hansen on Thursday, before meeting Australia’s Aaron Baddeley on Friday afternoon.

In-form Luke Donald, who climbed into second on the world ladder following his tie for fourth at TPC Sawgrass, will look to emulate his WGC-Matchplay success in February, but will first need to jump the hurdle of holder Ross Fisher and America’s Ryan Moore before gunning for Westwood’s hot seat.

Another player with sights set on Westwood is US PGA champion Martin Kaymer, who will take on Korean duo YE Yang and Seung-yul Noh, while US Open champion Graeme McDowell will hope to bounce back from his final-round disaster in Florida on Sunday, against Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas.

Other interesting group ties on Thursday include Rory McIlroy against Retief Goosen and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel against Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Volvo World Matchplay Championship

Group Stage

(1) Lee Westwood, (16) Anders Hansen, (17) Aaron Baddeley
(8) Francesco Molinari, (9) Ian Poulter, (24) Paul Lawrie
(4) Graeme McDowell, (13) Louis Oosthuizen, (20) Jhonattan Vegas
(5) Rory McIlroy, (12) Retief Goosen, (21) Nicolas Colsaerts
(2) Luke Donald, (15) Ryan Moore, (18) Ross Fisher
(7) Charl Schwartzel, (10) Miguel Angel Jimenez, (23) Johan Edfors
(3) Martin Kaymer, (14) YE Yang, (19) Noh seung-yul
(6) Paul Casey, (11) Alvaro Quiros, (22) Soren Kjeldsen

Kaymer ends time with caddie Connelly

Kaymer splits from Connelly

The trend of pro golfers parting company with their continues, as news breaks that Martin Kaymer has split with bagman Craig Connelly less than three months after becoming World No.1.

The current World No.3, who can reclaim the hot seat off Lee Westwood with victory at the Volvo World Matchplay this week, enjoyed tremendous success with the Scot last year by claiming the Abu Dhabi Championship, US PGA Championship, KLM Open, Dunhill Links, the Ryder Cup and the European Tour's Race to Dubai.

"Fore me it was just time to change and move on," said the 26-year-old German. "We've talked about it a few times already, but on Sunday we had a little chat and just decided to go our separate ways.

"Obviously Craig and I had a fantastic year together, I just felt like I needed a change. It has nothing really to do with Craig, he's a fantastic guy and he's been a good caddie for me."

Kaymer will use the services of his brother Philip in Andalucia this week, before making a decision ahead of a big few months on the circuit.

"I'll just try to have some fun with him this week and we'll see what happens at Wentworth if I find somebody. If not, I'm sure I will find somebody for the US Open," he added.

Mickelson irked by Westwood TPC snub

Mickelson is baffled

Phil Mickelson has added his voice to the growing chorus of American disapproval over Lee Westwood’s decision to skip The Players Championship at Sawgrass this week.

The World No.4 was baffled as to why the Englishman would choose to pass up the PGA Tour’s flagship event of the season and golf’s unofficial fifth major.

“Everyone has got their own personal deal but I just disagree with the thought process on this,” said Mickelson. “I feel like since I’ve been out on the PGA Tour this is one of the tournaments that I would like to win the most right along with the majors.”

And Mickelson, who could become World No.1 for the first time in his career with a win this week, continued his rant, claiming victories are more of an incentive to him than the world rankings.

“I think the most important thing is to win tournaments and to compete in a tournament like this week, play against the best players. There’s a lot more satisfaction over beating the best players in the world on a challenging test like this than there is to say you’re ranked ‘X’ on the world rankings.”

Yet had Mickelson and the rest of our American cousins checked Westwood’s schedule at the start of the season, they would not all be rushing into a frenzy at once.

As a non-member of the US Tour, Westwood was restricted to compete in just three regular PGA Tour events outside the majors and WGC events.

And having already competed at the Honda Classic and Houston Open in preparation for The Masters, as well as declaring himself eligible for his title defence of the FedEx St Jude before the US Open in June, the World No.1 was left with no alternative but to cut Sawgrass from his schedule.

Rory McIlroy also pulled out of The Players, citing his dislike of the Sawgrass track as his reasons.

 

Young guns to make their mark in Majorca

Hanson took the spoils last year

It is sure to be an emotive week as the European Tour arrives in Majorca for its second stop of the three-week Spanish swing – the Iberdrola Open.

With many of the players’ thoughts elsewhere at the moment, it would be fitting should a Spaniard take the spoils at Pula Golf Club on Sunday evening.

And the omens look good since the Mediterranean island has produced seven home-grown champions from its last 15 events on the island. Among the home challengers include Alejandro Cañizares, who will be hoping to go one better than last year when he was denied in a play-off by Swede Peter Hanson.

Pablo Larrazabal will also fancy his chances after impressing with a share of third place in last week’s Open de España.

José Maria Olazábal is sure to take plenty of fans around with him on a course he redesigned and won the last of his 23 European Tour titles back in 2005, while Thomas Aiken will start as warm favourite on the back of his maiden European Tour title which he dedicated to Seve Ballesteros.

“We all knew last week in Barcelona how Seve’s passing affected José Maria and it was hard for none of us not to have tears in our eyes,” said Aiken.

Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley will continue the Ryder Cup flavour on a week where black ribbons will be pinned to every flag as a mark of respect.

With so many of Europe’s leading players in Florida for The Players Championship this week, opportunities have opened up for the field to make their mark.

Iberdrola Open

Where?
Pula Golf Club, Majorca, Spain

When?
Thursday May 12 to Sunday May 15

The Course
Par-70; 6,808 yards

Purse
€800,000 (winner: €133,330)

Last Year’s Champion
Peter Hanson (-6) defeated Alejandro Cañizares in a playoff

Tournament Records
Lowest score: 274 (-6) Peter Hanson, Alejandro Cañizares in 2010

Did You Know?
The Iberdrola Open is being played for the second time after the tournament made its debut last year and is the third different European Tour event to be staged on the island of Majorca - The Turespaña Open Baleares took place between 1988 and 1995, and the Majorca Classic was held between 2003 and 2007.

Live Coverage
Thursday: Sky Sports 1 from 10.30am
Friday: Sky Sports 2 from 10.30am
Saturday: Sky Sports 2 from 12.30pm
Sunday: Sky Sports 3 from 12.30pm

Clark keen to make TPC history

Clark defends The Players

It is billed as one of the most exciting tournaments on the PGA Tour calendar and none more so for golf fans, with a closing stretch of holes that appear to feature more blue than green.

The risk and reward finish of The Players Championship at Sawgrass might be a dream for viewers, yet it can end up being a complete nightmare for the athletes involved.

Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy may have passed up the opportunity to win golf’s unofficial fifth major, but their absence pales into insignificance as one of the strongest fields of the year line up for the richest event on Tour.

South African Tim Clark is bidding to become the first player in TPC history to defend the title he won so impressively last season.

He might be one of the smallest players on the circuit but he certainly packed a punch in Florida 12 months ago, after surging through field with five birdies in the space of six holes around the turn for a one-shot victory over Australian Robert Allenby.

Yet it would be some what of a miracle if Clark emulated his triumph this time around since injuring his right elbow in the spring.

“I’ve started to get a little better here lately, maybe it’s something that by playing will help me get better,” said the 35-year-old.

“It’s obviously going to be a special week to be back there. I kind of think back to last year and what happened. You don’t often get a chance to reflect. This is a chance to remember how I played, and maybe it’ll give me some confidence.”

Whether Clark plays or not, he has already made a massive impact on the tournament. Traditionally, the flag of the defending champion flies at Sawgrass the week of the tournament. But the South African has insisted they fly the Spanish flag in honour of the late Seve Ballesteros, who sadly passed away Saturday.

With Westwood out the running, it could end up being another musical chairs scenario for the World No.1 hot seat with Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald and Phil Mickelson all gunning for glory at Ponte Vedra Beach this week.

If either of the three win, they will become World No.1, while the German can reclaim top spot with a solo second finish should his two rivals not triumph. But out of the three contenders to the crown, you would have to fancy the in-form Englishman, who has not finished outside the top ten in his last six starts. History doesn’t favour Donald, with Sandy Lyle the only Brit etched on the famous trophy.

Tiger Woods is expected to make his return from injury on Thursday as he attempts to claw back from the brink of his new World No.8 ranking.

The Players has seen a mix of notable winners and unexpected outsiders take the coveted title over the years. And given how the PGA Tour season has gone so far with 19 winners from 20 events, it may end up being another guessing game as to who will land the ‘W’ on Sunday night.

The Players Championship

Where?
TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

When?
Thursday May 12 to Sunday May 15

The Course
Par-72; 7,215 yards

Purse
$9.5 million (winner: $1,710,000)

Defending Champion
Tim Clark (-16)

Tournament Records
Most wins: 3 (Jack Nicklaus in 1974, 1976 & 1978)
Lowest score: 264 (-24) by Greg Norman in 1994

Did you know?
It is estimated that more than 100,000 balls are retrieved from the surrounding water of the 17th island green every year, courtesy of professionals and tourists alike trying their luck.

Els joins heroes in golf's Hall of Fame

Ernie wins British Open in 2002

South African golf has never looked so strong with a trio of winners from the last 13 majors in Trevor Immelman, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel.

And when you look back at some of their greats, it is easy to see why.

Of course they all read about the success of ‘The Black Knight’ growing up as kids, yet none of them were even alive by the time Gary Player slipped on the green jacket to record the last of his nine majors in 1978.

And so the stage was left to one man to inspire a new generation of stars – and last night Ernie Els joined an elusive cast of names in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The affable 6’3” Johannesburg-born star, known for his languid swing and beaming smile, has won 62 tournaments around the world, including three majors and 18 PGA Tour titles.

But the award comes at a slightly awkward time for Els, who recently described his own game as “diabolical”.

“It’ll be a very special feeling to step on the first tee knowing you’ve made the Hall of Fame,” he said. “I’m still trying to win golf tournaments, still trying to win major championships [but] I think it’s a huge bonus for anybody’s career.

“Coming from South Africa, I didn’t even know there was a Hall of Fame. I look back in the records now, the Hall of Fame has been going since 1940. So obviously, I missed something.

“My dream was to win majors and to try to do what Gary Player did, win the Grand Slam and win a bunch of golf tournaments, trying to get onto the PGA Tour and things like that.”

Half the dream came true when Els took the 1994 and 1997 US Open titles before adding the Open Championship five years later.

“You don’t get inducted in here without doing something to catch people’s attention, whether it’s winning 18 or 19 majors like Jack Nicklaus or building golf courses like Pete Dye,” he continued.

“There are people here that have done special things in the game of golf. I feel I’ve won my fair share of tournaments around the world, a truly global golfer like my idol, Gary Player.”

It is not just his rhythm and balance that makes him a fan favourite, Els is a role model away from the course.

The 41-year-old is currently working to raise funds to build a state-of-the-art learning centre for children who have the same condition as his son Ben. In addition, Els’ junior golf foundation in his home country has produced a host of competent young players, as well as a pair of major champions in Oosthuizen and Schwartzel.

Els, who was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility with 66% of the vote, joined former President George H.W. Bush, two-time major champions Doug Ford, the late Jock Hutchison, Japanese great Jumbo Ozaki and the late CBS Sports television producer Frank Chirkinian.

Ernie embraces his second US Open

What they say…

Gary Player
Nine-time major champion

“I was so pleased to hear the news that Ernie has been selected to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

“He epitomises a world golfer. He is a credit to the game and an ambassador for the sport. Ernie has been a wonderful friend over the years and I am very fond of him and his family.”

Trevor Immelman
2008 Masters champion

“I was fascinated by him. The shots he was hitting were incredible, whether it be around the greens or with the long game, everybody knew he was going to be one of the best.

“I’m really proud of him, this is a fantastic achievement - probably the greatest thing you can achieve in our game is getting into the Hall of Fame.”

Louis Oosthuizen
2010 Open champion

“If it weren’t for Ernie, I would not be where I am today. I spent several happy years at Ernie’s foundation and whenever I wanted help since I have been out on Tour, Ernie has happily given it. I could not have found a better person to have worked with.”

Charl Schwartzel
2011 Masters champion

“Ernie has been a great inspiration and friend to me for years. He is always happy to give his time and expertise, and I have been the grateful beneficiary of his generosity.”

Glover edges Byrd at Quail Hollow

Glover defeats Byrd in playoff

Lucas Glover spent the week at a fellow Clemson University alumni's house and was cheered on by Tigers fans dressed in specially designed t-shirts.

So it was only fitting the 31-year-old should end up in a playoff against his former college teammate Jonathan Byrd.

And the orange-tinted weekend ended brightly for the 2009 US Open champion as he clinched his third PGA Tour victory at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte.

Glover, who recently made the dramatic transformation from clean-shaven to facial hair, hailed his Tiger-like putting stroke to end a 41-tournament drought on the PGA Tour - dating back to his triumph at Bethpage Black two years ago.

"I putted great," he said, in underlining the fact he did not have a single three-putt in the tournament.

"The key for me, especially here, was that I made a lot of five to eight footers for par to keep the rounds going."

Glover had an up and down final round on the Quail Hollow course, shooting one eagle, four birdies and three bogeys on his way to a three-under 69.

The South Carolina-born star has endured a wretched run of form with just two top ten finishes in the last 12 months, but held his nerve to see off compatriot Byrd with a par at the first playoff hole.

Byrd, who bravely forced his way into the playoff after carding birdie on the 72nd hole, went from fairway bunker to the hazard left of the green and wound up with bogey - leaving his rival with the simple task of two-putting from 30 feet for the win.

"I'm elated," continued Glover. "Any time you win you're pleased. It means you beat everybody.

"You did what you set out to do on Thursday morning when the bell rang. Against this field and on the golf course and in a tournament of this magnitude, I'm thrilled."

Defending champion Rory McIlroy suffered a minor setback in his bid to rebound from his Masters heartbreak by missing the cut with rounds of 75 and 72.

Sabbatini to face disciplinary action?

Sabbatini back in the spotlight

Just when will he learn to keep quiet? Two months since declaring he had turned over a new leaf after claiming the Honda Classic, Rory Sabbatini is back in hot water once again.

The outspoken South African may have let his clubs do the talking after a flawless final-round 65 to finish third at the Wells Fargo Championship, yet it could be his last slice of action for some time as he faces disciplinary action from the PGA Tour.

The words 'Sabbatini' and 'controversy' have gone together like 'super' and 'injunction' after numerous spats with players, fans and Tour officials in recent years - so the proposed ban could not come soon enough in many people's eyes.

Sabbatini, who has previously found himself in bust-ups with Tiger Woods and Ben Crane on and off the course, has wasted little time in chalking up more haters on his ever-growing list this season.

The first incident took place at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera, several weeks before his victory at the PGA National, after launching a tirade against a teenage volunteer for allegedly affecting the position of his ball. As it turned out; the ball was not even his.

And then there was last week's encounter at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where the fiery Texan resident confronted playing partner Sean O'Hair on the 14th hole at TPC Louisiana - an argument which so out of hand that O'Hair's caddie had to step in to keep the players apart.

Although the PGA Tour have refused to comment on the incident, they can make the biggest statement of all if they decide to ban Sabbatini from tournament action - a decision echoed by Chief Executive of the R&A Peter Dawson, who believes Tours should make fines and other disciplinary action public.

Sabbatini previously found himself in the docts for having a dig at Woods before the 2007 Players Championship and, playing alongside Ben Crane, two years previously, putting out before the notoriously slow American had played his approach shot in an effort to get his attention to play faster.

Is Rory McIlroy ready to win a major?

McIlroy aiming to put Masters behind him

Rory McIlroy's final round pursuit to win an elusive major at last month’s US Masters may have had a touch of Greg Norman’s 1996 meltdown to it, as his prayers were ignored at Amen Corner and sent rippling through Rae’s Creek – but for 63 holes around golf’s most prestigious venue, you simply could not ignore the young Ulsterman’s incredible wealth of talent. 

McIlroy had the British nation on the edge of their seats and the rest of the world in awe up until his infamous tee shot on the 10th which would have infuriated even the Sunday hacker.

Yes, he endured one of the worst two hours of his golfing life on the biggest stage of them all, and probably wished he’d grown his mop of hair a fair bit longer to cover up the embarrassment etched on his face, yet many critics seem to have forgotten McIlroy would have still required a three-under par back nine just to have made a playoff with South African Charl Schwartzel - so it was not a complete open goal after all. 

The poster boy of world golf, who turned 22 on Wednesday, knows time is on his side and his day will eventually come - but whether McIlroy is ready to make the major breakthrough just yet remains questionable.

Lacking the killer instinct

With two titles already locked away in the trophy cabinet, including his maiden PGA Tour win at the Wells Fargo last year, McIlroy has also thrown in numerous reminders over the past 12 months to suggest he has more nerves than Arsenal Football Club when it comes to winning silverware. 

At last year’s British Open Championship, McIlroy tore up The Royal Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews on day one to card a major championship record-tying round of 63 – only to follow it up in similar circumstances to Augusta with a second-round 80.

Other recent calamities include surrendering a 36-hole lead at the Dubai Desert Classic in February after opening round three with three consecutive bogeys, before being upstaged by Italian teenage sensation Matteo Manassero just seven days after his epic collapse at the Masters.

Many critics argue if McIlroy cannot see out regular European Tour or PGA Tour events when his name hits the top of the leaderboard, then how can he possibly attempt to write his name in the history books when it comes to the majors? Perhaps they are right, but whether he is 22 or 32, there is no doubt the mental Masters scarring will take plenty of time to heal – just ask the likes of Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia, players who have had more top 10s than hot dinners but are still searching for their first ‘W’ in the majors.

Proving his critics wrong

McIlroy defends his Wells Fargo title this week

Despite McIlroy’s major heartbreak, he is currently enjoying some of the best form of his life with seven top 10s in his opening nine events of the season - shooting him up to a career-high world number six and one place ahead of Tiger Woods.

Without doubt, McIlroy is a major champion in waiting. He has already gained invaluable experience from 10 appearances in the big ones, performing admirably with three top-three finishes and one top 10 in as many starts.

And what better way for McIlroy to silence his critics than to defend his Wells Fargo title this week, as he looks forward to a massive few months on the world circuit, including the US Open at Congressional and British Open at Royal St George’s.

Out of the two forthcoming majors this summer, McIlroy will be slightly more excited at the prospect of having another crack at the British Open on July 14. The Northern Irishman, who grew up playing on links courses as a kid back home in Holywood, will deservedly start as one of the favourites as he bids to break his major hoodoo in front of his adoring British fans.

Work in progress

McIlroy has spent the last two weeks fine-tuning his putting stroke, reportedly with American guru Dave Stockton Jr, as he bids to find some answers as to why he is currently ranked 126th on the European Tour’s average putts-per-round ranking.

Yet McIlroy's putting is peerless when the adrenaline flows, as it did during last year’s spectacular final-round 62 at the Wells Fargo and his third-place finishes at the British Open and US PGA Championship – suggesting it is simply a lack of self-belief with the flatstick than anything else at the moment.

His performance through three rounds at the Masters was a logical progression - but following his unexpected demise, he must quickly regain his confidence and rebuild his reputation as golf’s brightest young star.

McIlroy’s biggest challenge over the next few months may not be with his putter, but rather his ability to rid the demons of his mind when in contention for tournaments, in particular the majors. He has the game, he has the talent, he has the swing; all he needs now is to prove he can close out when pressure reaches its peak.

Is Westwood developing a killer instinct?

Westwood wins Ballantine's Championship

As Prince William and Kate Middleton gripped the nation on a memorable long weekend, it was only fitting that Lee Westwood should choose to wrap it all up in a giant English flag – a second consecutive victory in the space of two weeks proved just why he has been crowned the new king of world golf.

Westwood arrived at the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea last week, on the back of his impressive three-shot victory at the Indonesian Masters, needing a top-five finish or better to reclaim his place at the summit of the golfing world. After a disappointing opening round of 72, Westwood was inspired by the scenes at Westminster Abbey on Friday to card rounds of 68, 69 and 67 for a one-shot victory over Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez.

When Westwood last assumed the mantle from Tiger Woods in October 2010, in a 17-week long reign, critics from across the pond were quick to question how he could have possibly reached the top spot without having won a major championship - and our frustrated American cousins were out in force once again last week, unfairly suggesting the Englishman beat a bunch of 'nobodies' in Jakarta to reclaim his place as world number one.

Yet what some US journalists seem to forget is that the world golf ranking system rewards consistency rather than titles scattered throughout a career – and that is exactly why our European three-ball of Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald continue to look down on a distinctly un-American top 10 world ranking list.

Westwood leading, still proceeding

Sure, Westwood beat one of the weakest fields of the year at the Asian Tour’s Indonesian Masters, and if truth be told, he was probably only there to pick up a hefty appearance fee - yet he was still the first player in many years to have arrived at a tournament knowing he had to win to become world number one and actually pull it off.

Westwood blew away Indonesian field

It might not have been the Masters in April he was after but he'll take it. The change from belly putter to conventional putter worked wonders for Westwood as he ended a fraught couple of months on the greens to shoot four consecutive sub-par rounds for the first time since winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge in December 2010 - a final-round 69 proved to be the icing on the cake for the Englishman as he celebrated his 38th birthday in style.

And he lived up to his billing as world number one with a stunning final round comeback at the Ballantine’s Championship on Sunday. He continued to pour in the putts by carding a flawless final round of 67, the best of the day, for a narrow one-shot victory over his Ryder Cup compatriot and close friend Jimenez – and in this sort of form, regardless of his rivals, you have to believe the 35-time professional winner has finally found that killer instinct.

Westwood is one of the most sublime ball strikers in the world and if he can maintain his new-found confidence with the flatstick over the next three months, as we approach a busy period including the US Open at Congressional and British Open at Royal St George's, he will surely have every chance of silencing the doubters who continue to heckle him about his major hoodoo.

Continental comforts

The Worksop golfer, who remained loyal to the European Tour alongside world number two Kaymer and world number seven Rory McIlroy earlier this season, is likely to stir up more hatred across the Atlantic after failing to commit to the PGA Tour's flagship event of the season at The Players Championship in two weeks time.

Westwood wins St.Jude last year

As a non-member of the US Tour, Westwood was restricted to compete in just three regular PGA Tour events outside the majors and WGCs - and having already competed for the Honda Classic and the Houston Open, as well as declaring himself eligible for his title defence of the FedEx St.Jude before the US Open in June, he was left with no alternative but to cut Sawgrass from his schedule.

Whether people like it or not, the 38-year-old is a flagship bearer for the European Tour and a key asset in promoting the game to other parts of the world, which is why he spent the last two weeks of his season in golfing-mad Asia.

The world number one also believes being based in Europe allows him to devote more time to his family and as a result, keeps him ticking over when things aren't always heading in the right direction. He is a credit to the European Tour and has never opted to chase the dollar despite the $10 million lure for winning the PGA Tour's season-long FedExCup race.

For the first time in years, the sport is enjoying a hotly-contested fight for the coveted world number one spot - gone are the days when all we had to do was close our eyes and think of a stripey jungle cat to get the answer. It would seem some Americans are not happy to accept Westwood simply because they are still in a state of shock at their rapidly-diminishing status in the world game. Perhaps they should leave our Mr Consistency alone and start picking holes in their own under-performing stars.