Irvine, Scotland – Lee Westwood won his way to the open with a 70-67 round at the Dundonal Drink.
Westwood was among the 20 players who won a place at Royal Portrush in the final regional qualifiers, which held four or more courses in the UK and Scotland, and awarded five spots each. He was among 15 three LIV players who showed up for the qualifying round.
Westwood, 52, from England, won titles with 25 titles and three merit titles on the European Tour, leading five qualifiers with a 7-under 137.
“I’ve always said that it’s the biggest championship in golf and as a British player you get incredible support,” Westwood said. “I’m looking forward to enjoying the week in Portrush, seeing a few old friends and enjoying the golf course.”
The opening was held on July 17-20 at the Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, with Shane Rawley winning in 2019. Westwood tied the fourth shot behind Raleigh after taking the lead with 36 holes.
The qualifying list includes Richard Tedder. Richard Tedder will be Estonia’s first player to compete in the oldest golf championship. Just getting there was a great ride. Tedder was set to be one of West Lancashire’s five qualifiers until his double bogey on the final hole.
That made him a four-man playoff in the final two spots, with Tedder making holes out of the fairway for the Eagle to secure his place.
Two other LIV golfers, Australia’s Lucas Herbert and South Africa’s Dean Barmester, also won spots at the open. Herbert led the qualifiers at West Lancashire, while Barmester led the way at Royal Cinqueport.
Growing up in Portrush, Graeme McDowell was among the five LIV players he missed in Royal Cinque Ports. That includes Ian Paulter and his 21-year-old son Luke, who played for Florida and was a replacement at the US Open last month.
The other seven LIV players didn’t make it. They either finished outside the top five or retreated midway through the round. The other three retreated before it began. Liv Golf concluded the event in Dallas on Sunday, with players having to go straight to the UK for qualifying.
Westwood was number one in the world towards the end of 2010. He was considered the best he ever won a major.
This report uses information from the Associated Press.