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Westwood seals Open spot
Lee Westwood booked his place at next year’s Open after securing a share for second place at the Thailand Golf Championship on Sunday.
The Englishman shot a final round of 67 at the Amata Spring Country Club to finish on 18-under-par for the tournament, three shots behind eventual winner Jamie Donaldson and level with overnight leader Clement Sordet.
All three players booked their place at next year’s Open at Royal Troon, alongside 16-year-old Phachara Khongwatmai, while Westwood and Donaldson also secured their place at the 2016 Masters.
Westwood will now feature in his 21st Open Championship and admits that he feels proud to have competed for the Claret Jug in every year since making his major debut at St Andrews in 1995.
He said: “It’s great to be have made it into The Open. I’ve played every one since 1995 so it’s great to keep that run going. It’s been 21 years now and I’ve not missed one, so I’m happy. It’s my favourite championship of the year.”
The Englishman also has an impressive record at Royal Troon, as he finished fourth there in 2004, and he will be hoping to be among the challengers once again in July, as he bids to secure a first major crown.
He continued: “I’ve played at Royal Troon quite a few times and I finished fourth there in 2004. I like the golf course as it’s a traditional links, straight out, straight back. It’s got everything you want from a links course.”
