US Masters Golf Tip: Lee Westwood

Has the time finally come for Lee Westwood to claim that first Major title having come so close, so often? The 37-year-old world number two was pipped at the post by Mickelson at Augusta last year, but he didn’t wilt under pressure. It was only the combination of sensational shot-making and no little good fortune for the American that denied the man from Nottinghamshire.

Westwood’s ‘nearly man’ status has been forged by a run of consistent top quality golf in the big events that saw him claim an incredible four top three finishes in the space of five Majors between 2009-10. The run was only ended by his non-participation in the US PGA Champonship due to injury last August. Since then he played a pivotal role in the European Ryder Cup victory before becoming number one in the world by the end of the year.

Although he has since lost his top dog ranking to Martin Kaymer, Westwood is still well positioned to become the first British recipient of the Green Jacket since Faldo in 1996. With ten top ten finishes in Major Championships he has knocked at the door continuously without ever quite getting the rub of the green. With so many close calls it is worth noting that Westwood has largely avoided the tag of ‘choker’. He has typically been beaten by a miraculous opponent, such as Mickelson in 2010, rather than by any personal demons. This bodes well for this week. It would be a surprise if the Englishman wasn’t in contention again come Sunday afternoon, and if he is, don’t expect him to crumble. At 25/1 with VictorChandler he is worth a punt on the nose.

*Hole In Won – Victor Chandler
Have a bet on a player to win the US Master outright (Win or Each-Way) and if the selection loses but has a hole-in-one during the tournament Victor Chandler will pay you out as a winner. Max Stake £50 (or £25 E/W) per selection, does not include the Masters Par 3 tournament.