Why Lee Westwood won't win the Masters

abouttobebanned

There is a small chance that I could make myself look silly here but I'll go on anyway.

I think the rivalry that has developed between Westwood and McIlroy is really starting to affect Lee's game. Aside from the whole change of management and twitter nonsense I believe that Westwood has become very bitter towards Rory's success.

In the matchplay a few weeks you could see how fired up that Westwood was for it. He went out and blitzed Rory for a couple of holes and was buzzing. Rory didn't panic, and just relied on the quality of his own game. When the tide turned you could see Westwood crumble (like he so often does on final days) and Rory just coasted to victory.

This week, Westwood has been telling everyone who will listen - fuelled by a bitterness toward the media - that this year's masters is not a two horse race. He shouldn't feel the need to do this. Anyone with a brain knows that there's about 50 people who can win this tournament. He should have put the head down and just let his golf do the talking.

The way the British Media describe Westwood...if he was the player that they say he is...then he should have consolidated his first round performance with a -1 or -2 score yesterday...instead he completely underwhelmed the course and gave 2 silly shots back at the last.

I think he's incredibly weak minded and too easily distracted by other things. Nobody has a god given right to a major and we seriously need to question why it is that he has never won one.

Listening to The Masters Breakfast on SKY there - they are saying that Westwood is the man to beat. I really don't think so. For me it's between Kuchar, McIlroy and Bubba Watson.

Golfgraffix

I have to say that I kind of aggree, although a world class golfer he seems to lack the mental side required to close out a major.

Of course that could have been said about Rory last year or even Phil 9 years ago, something could click on the back nine on Sunday and away he strides (I can't see it myself)

Borisss

I really don't think a seasoned veteran gives a toss about McIlroy when setting out their own personal goals and targets tbf. Naive to think so.

His own insecurities about winning Major championships will be his downfall, if there is to be one.

Also, you left Sergio off your list. Not sure why. Judging by his interview last night, he might be in the best frame of mind he's ever been in a Major.

"I'm just going to play".

abouttobebanned

I left Sergio off my list cause I don't think he'll feature on Sunday that's why. Too prone to lapses of concentration.

A "seasoned veteran" without a major to his name, has let McIlroy get to him on numerous, well documented occasions this year. I think you're the one being naive to be honest.

Borisss

Not sure why you've put "seasoned veteran" in inverted commas? Unless of course you are denying he is one?

There seems to be this belief that McIlroy now has some sort of old Tiger-like aura about him, which is hilarious. I understand its becoming a highly popular belief on here in particular so I'll just smile and nod.

Like said above Lee Westwood will be his own downfall ultimately. Because he heaps pressure on himself, coupled with the pressure the British media have been lumping on him and Donald in recent years too.

Rory affecting his game?
I guess it was Rory still being on the course that melted his brain on 18 yesterday.

To think something as petty as a dispute over McIlroy walking out on Chubby will affect his Masters performance is just...

abouttobebanned

Are you this smug in real life?

I believe that the rivalry with Rory is a factor in why he won't win the Masters this year. You don't. And that's absolutely fine.

And to be honest, I think it's as believable as "He hasn't won a major yet because of the pressure of the British Media"

Creasy_bear

He won't win the masters because he can't chip.
I've not seen much yet......but I'd say he's had two great ballstriking days. Not missed many greens......once he starts missing them.....good luck Lee.

BoardsMember

Not sure about all the psycho stuff, but Lee's short game will be the biggest challenge he has to overcome if he's to win a major, particularly the masters, and nobody k owe that better than Lee

WH BONNEY

OP I had to smile at your references to bitterness and smugness in your posts. To me it seems your bitterness towards Westwood is colouring your vision. Meanwhile your smugness in judging his performances and capabilities is just wrong.

Of course he can win the tournament. He will have to overcome a number of issues to do so but its possible he can do this.

I also cannot understand people who come out and say he can't chip. This is pathetic and clearly bs. He is not a world class chipper like Phil or Burdocks but he can usually get it around.

If he keeps striking it well and holes a few putts he won't be too far away on Sunday.

In saying that hopefully Rory will do the biz or Paddy will shoot 64 64 to win by 4.

k.p.h

Borisss wrote: »

Also, you left Sergio off your list. Not sure why. Judging by his interview last night, he might be in the best frame of mind he's ever been in a Major.

"I'm just going to play".

I reckon you interpreted that interview in a different way to me, Sergio looks flat . Worst place to be if you want to win a Major.

abouttobebanned

WH BONNEY wrote: »

OP I had to smile at your references to bitterness and smugness in your posts. To me it seems your bitterness towards Westwood is colouring your vision. Meanwhile your smugness in judging his performances and capabilities is just wrong.

Of course he can win the tournament. He will have to overcome a number of issues to do so but its possible he can do this.

I also cannot understand people who come out and say he can't chip. This is pathetic and clearly bs. He is not a world class chipper like Phil or Burdocks but he can usually get it around.

If he keeps striking it well and holes a few putts he won't be too far away on Sunday.

In saying that hopefully Rory will do the biz or Paddy will shoot 64 64 to win by 4.

lol I'm bitter towards Westwood?

Sure let's see what happens this weekend anyway. Just a little debate.

BTW I would love to see the lad win a major. Just don't think it will happen this weekend.

k.p.h

WH BONNEY wrote: »

OP I had to smile at your references to bitterness and smugness in your posts. To me it seems your bitterness towards Westwood is colouring your vision. Meanwhile your smugness in judging his performances and capabilities is just wrong.

Of course he can win the tournament. He will have to overcome a number of issues to do so but its possible he can do this.

I also cannot understand people who come out and say he can't chip. This is pathetic and clearly bs. He is not a world class chipper like Phil or Burdocks but he can usually get it around.

If he keeps striking it well and holes a few putts he won't be too far away on Sunday.

In saying that hopefully Rory will do the biz or Paddy will shoot 64 64 to win by 4.

Just to be clear Westwood is a poor short game player. His putting and chipping is far below standard. You say he get's around but that's completely wrong in a field containing the Top 50 in the World. He looses shots to the field..! If any other player had his tee to green (which is pretty much best in the world) they would be leading by 5 shots.

It's all good and well in a poor ET event and he's hitting 60+ greens, he will get enough birdies, but at Agusta. Serious question marks.

Trampas

Creasy_bear wrote: »

He won't win the masters because he can't chip.
I've not seen much yet......but I'd say he's had two great ballstriking days. Not missed many greens......once he starts missing them.....good luck Lee.

Creasy_bear is 100% right. Lee chipping is poor. If he could get that end sorted out I think he can win majors.

He leaves himself to many long putts after a bad chip/pitch. If his iron play is off good luck.

media love building up the fight between players as it should get more people watching which increases their revenue through ads.

Borisss

k.p.h wrote: »

I reckon you interpreted that interview in a different way to me, Sergio looks flat . Worst place to be if you want to win a Major.

It seems so.

I got the impression he's going to take it one hole at a time and not heap expectation on himself..which will play to his strengths. We all know how he reacts when he's filled with rage!

A relaxed Sergio is capable of sensational golf, would be quite the comeback if he could get over the line, after taking a sabbatical not so long ago.

Benicetomonty

Westwood believes hes a better player than McIlroy even if we dont. Rory played damn well to beat him in arizona and the last time they went head to head (in Dubai in 09 I think, Westwood wiped the floor with him. Lee will fear no-one today and unless Woods or Mickelson produce, itl be the same story tomorrow. He is by far the best striker on the leaderboard, maybe in the field, and will win the tournament if he puttr well. 55 putts or less over the next two days and I firmly believe hel win. But I hope Couples does the business-money talks and Iv got him ew at 150-1! Exciting 36 holes in store regardless

k.p.h

Borisss wrote: »

It seems so.

I got the impression he's going to take it one hole at a time and not heap expectation on himself..which will play to his strengths. We all know how he reacts when he's filled with rage!

A relaxed Sergio is capable of sensational golf, would be quite the comeback if he could get over the line, after taking a sabbatical not so long ago.

Ah I see your angle, maybe your right. That approach could work work for him. He's out with Rory so hopefully we see a good bit of him in action.

Jimmy Iovine

Benicetomonty wrote: »

Westwood believes hes a better player than McIlroy even if we dont. Rory played damn well to beat him in arizona and the last time they went head to head (in Dubai in 09 I think, Westwood wiped the floor with him. Lee will fear no-one today and unless Woods or Mickelson produce, itl be the same story tomorrow. He is by far the best striker on the leaderboard, maybe in the field, and will win the tournament if he puttr well. 55 putts or less over the next two days and I firmly believe hel win. But I hope Couples does the business-money talks and Iv got him ew at 150-1! Exciting 36 holes in store regardless

That was in '09. Rory has improved beyond belief since then. He was still a teenager and had only months beforehand won his first professional tournament.

I think you should really discount Westwood's win in Dubai and focus more on the present.

rednik

What Sergio needs is to be paired with Padraig tomorrow.

Of course Westwood can win and to say he is not a good putter is crazy, on his day he is as good as anyone. Personally if Rory doesn't win I hope Freddie wins.

Benicetomonty

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

That was in '09. Rory has improved beyond belief since then. He was still a teenager and had only months beforehand won his first professional tournament.

I think you should really discount Westwood's win in Dubai and focus more on the present.

. Just went with the two most recent tournaments they went head to head down the stretch so I think thats valid. However, for the sake of modernity : http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/gir.html. Westwood is also second in the overall pgatour GIR category, where he's obviously played most of his golf this year. I agree with you when you say McIlroy has improved vastly since '09 but it's not as if Westwood has disappeared. If he putts well, he wins. Regardless of what McIlroy or anyone else does (IMHO of course, it's still golf so anything can happen...)

saintastic

rednik wrote: »

Of course Westwood can win and to say he is not a good putter is crazy

Do you still believe this after The Masters? Westwood himself admits that his putting isn't good enough.

BigChap1759

Only 3 players who completed 72 holes took more putts than Westwood......'nuff said!

BoardsMember

rednik wrote: »

Of course Westwood can win and to say he is not a good putter is crazy, on his day he is as good as anyone.

All the ex-winners and supposedly knowledgeable ones say that to win the Masters you have to putt well. To putt well at Augusta you need to be a really good putter. Westwoon didn't putt well at Augusta. He never does. It's fairly much accepted that his weak point is his short game. Having the fantastic tee to green game, it's not surprising that his short game is his weak point. Then it is a matter of subjectivity as to whether you want to call him a poor putter, or say he has a poor short game.

The stats at Augusta for Westwood dont lie. There's no doubt that he has putted well on tour, but mostly he seems to do so on slower greens.

FixdePitchmark

abouttobebanned wrote: »

There is a small chance that I could make myself look silly here but I'll go on anyway.

I think the rivalry that has developed between Westwood and McIlroy is really starting to affect Lee's game. Aside from the whole change of management and twitter nonsense I believe that Westwood has become very bitter towards Rory's success.

In the matchplay a few weeks you could see how fired up that Westwood was for it. He went out and blitzed Rory for a couple of holes and was buzzing. Rory didn't panic, and just relied on the quality of his own game. When the tide turned you could see Westwood crumble (like he so often does on final days) and Rory just coasted to victory.

This week, Westwood has been telling everyone who will listen - fuelled by a bitterness toward the media - that this year's masters is not a two horse race. He shouldn't feel the need to do this. Anyone with a brain knows that there's about 50 people who can win this tournament. He should have put the head down and just let his golf do the talking.

The way the British Media describe Westwood...if he was the player that they say he is...then he should have consolidated his first round performance with a -1 or -2 score yesterday...instead he completely underwhelmed the course and gave 2 silly shots back at the last.

I think he's incredibly weak minded and too easily distracted by other things. Nobody has a god given right to a major and we seriously need to question why it is that he has never won one.

Listening to The Masters Breakfast on SKY there - they are saying that Westwood is the man to beat. I really don't think so. For me it's between Kuchar, McIlroy and Bubba Watson.

Fair play good call in the end. I'm just hoping that Rory does not end up a bit like Lee. At least Rory has one and this makes it so much easier. But that day 3 for Rory is a real worry. His head went way too quick.

acejeff

what is most frustrating about westwood's putting is his perseverance with the same method - set-up body shoulder hand and ball position, pre-shout routine, pace of stroke etc. He has been trying the same method for a number of years despite continued frustration with the putter. He knows as well as everyone else that it is by far the weakest part of his game and nowhere near good enough for the level he is playing at. I just think it's bizzare that he hasn't tried anything really different. Einstein's definition of insanity - the same thing over and over again and expecting different results - springs to mind. IMHO he needs a total rethink in putting method - a new putting coach, totally new set up, different style of putter (god forbid he may even need a belly putter), something radical needs to change coz he is going nowhere in a hurry with his current method.

Martin567

There's no doubt that putting is the weakest part of his game and he doesn't hole enough putts for the chances he creates. However, he did miss two or three absolute tiddlers over the week. I don't think he needed to be a good putter to hole these. Each of these was missed due to a lack of concentration after he had just missed a makeable birdie putt. He allowed his frustration to get the better of him and so he missed tap ins that he thought were a formality.

If he had just eliminated these stupid errors, he would have been in the play-off at least. This would have been without making any changes at all to his putting. The problem is that the more often he goes close without winning, the more pressure he is putting on himself in the next one. His Major record now would indicate that he is one of the best, if not the best, players ever not to have won one. Whether he ever will is difficult to know.

Milkers

abouttobebanned wrote: »

There is a small chance that I could make myself look silly here but I'll go on anyway.

I think the rivalry that has developed between Westwood and McIlroy is really starting to affect Lee's game. Aside from the whole change of management and twitter nonsense I believe that Westwood has become very bitter towards Rory's success.

In the matchplay a few weeks you could see how fired up that Westwood was for it. He went out and blitzed Rory for a couple of holes and was buzzing. Rory didn't panic, and just relied on the quality of his own game. When the tide turned you could see Westwood crumble (like he so often does on final days) and Rory just coasted to victory.

This week, Westwood has been telling everyone who will listen - fuelled by a bitterness toward the media - that this year's masters is not a two horse race. He shouldn't feel the need to do this. Anyone with a brain knows that there's about 50 people who can win this tournament. He should have put the head down and just let his golf do the talking.

The way the British Media describe Westwood...if he was the player that they say he is...then he should have consolidated his first round performance with a -1 or -2 score yesterday...instead he completely underwhelmed the course and gave 2 silly shots back at the last.

I think he's incredibly weak minded and too easily distracted by other things. Nobody has a god given right to a major and we seriously need to question why it is that he has never won one.

Listening to The Masters Breakfast on SKY there - they are saying that Westwood is the man to beat. I really don't think so. For me it's between Kuchar, McIlroy and Bubba Watson.

Really good call there. The theory on Westwood may well be valid, it's also plain to see if his short game improved a couple of notches he would be very tough to beat in any tournament.

saintastic

acejeff wrote: »

what is most frustrating about westwood's putting is his perseverance with the same method - set-up body shoulder hand and ball position, pre-shout routine, pace of stroke etc. He has been trying the same method for a number of years despite continued frustration with the putter. He knows as well as everyone else that it is by far the weakest part of his game and nowhere near good enough for the level he is playing at. I just think it's bizzare that he hasn't tried anything really different. Einstein's definition of insanity - the same thing over and over again and expecting different results - springs to mind. IMHO he needs a total rethink in putting method - a new putting coach, totally new set up, different style of putter (god forbid he may even need a belly putter), something radical needs to change coz he is going nowhere in a hurry with his current method.

Very good post as Chubby has hinted that Lee may well change putting coach after his performance at the Masters. http://www.espn.co.uk/golf/sport/story/145367.html. Wonder would he go to the same coach as Rory - Dave Stockton?

soundsham

The finger of blame is getting pointed.....
European Tour

Westwood agent hints at putting coach switch
ESPN staff
April 10, 2012«

Lee Westwood had a frustrating time on the greens at Augusta © PA Photos
Enlarge
Lee Westwood's agent has suggested the world No. 3 could axe his putting coach after coming up short at The Masters.

He finished two shots behind winner Bubba Watson and the reason for his defeat is his struggles on the greens. The Brit needed 128 swings of the short stick, while Watson needed 120 and Phil Mickelson - who finished in a tie for third with Westwood - a stunning 107.

Westwood is still seeking his first major title and it is putting that is costing him, as nobody played better from tee to green.

The 38-year-old began working with putting coach Phil Kenyon last year but the player's manager Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler is not convinced it has paid off.

"I don't know how much difference Kenyon's made," Chandler is quoted as saying in The Sun. "I don't think he's made any. Whether that stays the same or not, hmmm.

"But Lee will keep working. To finish as close as he did while taking 21 more putts than Phil is staggering.

"And I was surprised at how upbeat Lee was. He wasn't beating himself up because he knows he cannot play much better.

"He said he either keeps plugging away until his turn comes or gives up. And he is no a quitter.

"The funny thing was that he putted better the more pressure he was under. He made four birdies in the last six holes. That's encouraging."

foxyboxer

"I don't know how much difference Kenyon's made," Chandler is quoted as saying in The Sun. "I don't think he's made any. Whether that stays the same or not, hmmm."

Ah, the age old "when it all goes wrong blame the coach" switcheroo.

But being the Sun, I'd take the salacious quote with a pinch of salt.

I think it's a case of people taking something which is very important and over complicating it. From what I could see, putting at Augusta is more of a psychological test than a test of putting technique where any lapse of concetration is cruelly exploited.

Corkblowin

Martin567 wrote: »

There's no doubt that putting is the weakest part of his game and he doesn't hole enough putts for the chances he creates. However, he did miss two or three absolute tiddlers over the week. I don't think he needed to be a good putter to hole these. Each of these was missed due to a lack of concentration after he had just missed a makeable birdie putt. He allowed his frustration to get the better of him and so he missed tap ins that he thought were a formality.

If he had just eliminated these stupid errors, he would have been in the play-off at least. This would have been without making any changes at all to his putting. The problem is that the more often he goes close without winning, the more pressure he is putting on himself in the next one. His Major record now would indicate that he is one of the best, if not the best, players ever not to have won one. Whether he ever will is difficult to know.

The putting stats canbe slightly misleading - Westwoods iron play is so good that he hits lots of greens, however he's invariably further away from the hole that a guy who misses the green & chips on. Example - Guy who misses 9 greens & gets up & down 75% of the time takes 11-12 putts, Westwood hits 9 greens & gets 3 birdies takes 15 putts.

As for missing the short ones - it looks to me he's so nervous over them that he rushes them in order to 'get it over with'. It's purely a mental/confidence issue - perhaps a change in grip/routine/stance whatever is needed to change things up.

BoardsMember

Corkblowin wrote: »

As for missing the short ones - it looks to me he's so nervous over them that he rushes them in order to 'get it over with'. It's purely a mental/confidence issue - perhaps a change in grip/routine/stance whatever is needed to change things up.

+1

I dont agree that this is concentration, I think he's bricking it over these. You can almost tell when he's going to miss it. I go through phases of this, my way to get the feeling back is mark everything, unless if is inches I wont finish out. Let the other fella putt while I get myself ready. I find that otherwise I'm hoping it goes in, rather than knowing it will go in.

Please excuse the possible implicit conceit in this post regarding comparisons with my game and the game of Lee Westwood!!

newport2

Corkblowin wrote: »

The putting stats canbe slightly misleading - Westwoods iron play is so good that he hits lots of greens, however he's invariably further away from the hole that a guy who misses the green & chips on. Example - Guy who misses 9 greens & gets up & down 75% of the time takes 11-12 putts, Westwood hits 9 greens & gets 3 birdies takes 15 putts.

As for missing the short ones - it looks to me he's so nervous over them that he rushes them in order to 'get it over with'. It's purely a mental/confidence issue - perhaps a change in grip/routine/stance whatever is needed to change things up.

Very true about the stats there.

IMO, there's nothing wrong with his stroke, it's in his head. Sky were showing a replay at some point of his two practice strokes and then his putt for some hole. Two lovely smooth strokes, followed by a tense poke at the ball. If he had repeated his practice stroke he would have been fine.

But as pointed out above, no matter what is wrong, he needs to change something.

Speak Now

Maybe change the title to wont win a major?
Brilliant putter on a Thursday!

newport2

Jerry Seinfeld wrote: »

Maybe change the title to wont win a major?
Brilliant putter on a Thursday!

I think he will win a major. I just think the Masters is the least suited to him and the least likely one where he'll break through.

PRAF

newport2 wrote: »

I think he will win a major. I just think the Masters is the least suited to him and the least likely one where he'll break through.

Good shout. Tee to green he is fantastic (no.1 according to pgatour in GIR). That should stand to him in something like to US Open or maybe the US PGA.

However, his poor putting and dodgy short game (comparitively speaking versus the likes of Tiger, Phil, Luke Donald etc.) makes it difficult for him to seal the deal in the Masters of the Open.

However, he seems like a really stubborn guy so not sure he would be willing to change his method and work with a new coach. We'll see I suppose

PRAF

Also, to add to the last post, I noticed something strange on the stats too. For the best ball striker on tour, he has a very poor record on Par 5s. This is probably down in large part to his comparitively poor short game.

However, I wonder is he also too conservative in his play. I remember the time Donald beat him in Wentworth he didn't go for the green on the par 5 and it ended up costing him. He layed up and then spun his wedge into the water.

His proximity to the hole stats aren't great either. Is Westwood just playing safe too much and aiming for the heart of the green when guys like Harrington and Mickelsoon are taking on difficult pins and being more aggressive?

sting60

Came across a golf chat on some U S station here is what this guy had to say after masters,in short.Bubby will win more Majors,Woods will not and never see no1 again,Westwood wont win a Major,Harrington is an also ran,Kutcher should win a major,South African golf very strong,he fears for Dustin Johnson,McElroy is not as good as he or his pr team thinks he is,Mickleson wont win a Major again does not have the stamina anymore and his private life is taking a toll.Europe overrated and U S will win the ryder cup easily.

Speak Now

sting60 wrote: »

Came across a golf chat on some U S station here is what this guy had to say after masters,in short.Bubby will win more Majors,Woods will not and never see no1 again,Westwood wont win a Major,Harrington is an also ran,Kutcher should win a major,South African golf very strong,he fears for Dustin Johnson,McElroy is not as good as he or his pr team thinks he is,Mickleson wont win a Major again does not have the stamina anymore and his private life is taking a toll.Europe overrated and U S will win the ryder cup easily.

Strange the way he thinks U.S will win Ryder cup easily but has pretty much written off 3 of the players that will most likely be in the team.

sting60

Jerry Seinfeld wrote: »

Strange the way he thinks U.S will win Ryder cup easily but has pretty much written off 3 of the players that will most likely be in the team.

This guy was Dunphy on speed.

Matt Santos

sting60 wrote: »

Came across a golf chat on some U S station here is what this guy had to say after masters,in short.Bubby will win more Majors,Woods will not and never see no1 again,Westwood wont win a Major,Harrington is an also ran,Kutcher should win a major,South African golf very strong,he fears for Dustin Johnson,McElroy is not as good as he or his pr team thinks he is,Mickleson wont win a Major again does not have the stamina anymore and his private life is taking a toll.Europe overrated and U S will win the ryder cup easily.

1. Bubba will win more Majors- As long as his feel is still intact, and this WILL eventually go, he is always gonna be a danger at Majors and of course can win more.
2. Woods will not and wont see No.1 again- BS. Woods is putting like a bad 12 at the moment but as soon as he gets back in the groove he will be devastating again. He is the ONLY golfer that the whole field is paying attention to on the scoreboard and when he moves they all shudder!
3. Westwood wont win a major- But for a few stink putts on Sat this green Jacket could well have been his. Always finds someone comin out of the crowd to relegate him to third etc but it will come.
4. Harrington is an also ran- Jaysus Christ! He had at least 10 putts that he missed on Sunday alone that he would normally have got! The most deadly putter under pressure but just didnt fire on Sunday. Of course he will feature in Majors... Maybe even just Majors!!
5. Kutcher will win a Major-The US Open is so suited to his game. He has calmed hugely since his early years and will be a factor in time to come. He is young and confident and will win a US Open in the next five years.
6. South African Golf is strong-Just so obvious its ridiculous! The talent coming through is awesome and it looks like they may be even ahead of Australia at the moment.
7. Dustin Johnson-Too much of a sports freak to be a forgotten man! His money is made and all he needs now is Titles. He may have fallen out of love with the game but he will be back.
8. McIlroy not as good as we all think-I concur. The gap is so little between the top 12 in the world now. He is good but he aint no Tiger in his hay day!
9. Mickelson wont win another Major-Ridiculous. Similiar to Harrington... All he wants are Majors and he is not afraid to win them.
10.Europe over rated and US will win Ryder Cup-Europe are way on top at the moment with only maybe four of the US team in any form but Ryder Cup is on the day and anything can happen...

Just my thought....

Benicetomonty

Benicetomonty wrote: »

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

That was in '09. Rory has improved beyond belief since then. He was still a teenager and had only months beforehand won his first professional tournament.

I think you should really discount Westwood's win in Dubai and focus more on the present.

. Just went with the two most recent tournaments they went head to head down the stretch so I think thats valid. However, for the sake of modernity : http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/stats/gir.html. Westwood is also second in the overall pgatour GIR category, where he's obviously played most of his golf this year. I agree with you when you say McIlroy has improved vastly since '09 but it's not as if Westwood has disappeared. If he putts well, he wins. Regardless of what McIlroy or anyone else does (IMHO of course, it's still golf so anything can happen...)

Good calls going around so have to congratulate myself as well

Creasy_bear

newport2 wrote: »

I think he will win a major. I just think the Masters is the least suited to him and the least likely one where he'll break through.

I actually think the masters is his best chance of winning one in america as there's no ruff around the greens. He can putt from almost anywhere. Westwood will always putt even if the chip/pitch is the better option - Just like Freddie Couples.

The first clip I saw of Westwood was on Saturday.....can't remember the hole but he came up short of a bunker. Plenty of green to work with.....a pretty easy up and down as the commentators also agreed. He didn't get the chip within 10 feet. For a pro, it really was poor. A couple of holes later he took double bogey from nowhere because of his poor short game. If a pro putts from off the green does it count as a putt in his stats I don't think it does......but if it did Westwood would be taking alot more putts each round :pac:

displaced dub

Westwood I think has good chance at the US Open

Dr.Silly

displaced dub wrote: »

Westwood I think has good chance at the US Open

US Open greens are notoriously difficult for putting, a lot harder than Augusta, so I would say he's got a very very slight chance.

The only major I think he has a realistic chance of winning is the PGA.

displaced dub

Dr.Silly wrote: »

US Open greens are notoriously difficult for putting, a lot harder than Augusta, so I would say he's got a very very slight chance.

The only major I think he has a realistic chance of winning is the PGA.

The reason why I fancy him for the US is he hits the ball very straight off the tee and his iron play is righ up there with the best, his short game was also a lot better at the masters.

I'll be backing him each way, had oosthouzen each way at 66/1 for the masters

Dr.Silly

displaced dub wrote: »

The reason why I fancy him for the US is he hits the ball very straight off the tee and his iron play is righ up there with the best, his short game was also a lot better at the masters.

I'll be backing him each way, had oosthouzen each way at 66/1 for the masters

Nice bet with oosthouzen.....I'd forgotten what a super driver he is of the ball.

I agree with you about westwood on the driving and iron play, he is certainly one of the straightest, crispest hitters of the ball. But if you're putter is failing you're going to be two putting and three putting your way round a US Open.

If he could putt like Donald, Woods (In his prime), and manage to sink a lot more 10-20 foot putts, I think we'd see more than 1 Major out of him. Good luck with the bet though in saying that.

Tones69

128 putts, 18 more than bubba watson who in fairness is not known for his cracking putting, says it all really

DiegoWorst

He seems a little too mechanical and rigid over putts. Reminds me of Garcia and to a lesser extent, Vijay. It's almost like he's putting by instruction booklet. Apart from the couple of awful 2~3 footers he missed, he wasn't missing the hole by much, again akin to messrs Garcia and Singh. Weak putters have won the Masters before, e.g. Langer. I actually think the Masters is his best bet for a major, but he needs to loosen up and take the odd calculated risk, dispel this notion of "keep knockin on the door"

AldilaMan

Matt Santos wrote: »

1. Bubba will win more Majors- As long as his feel is still intact, and this WILL eventually go, he is always gonna be a danger at Majors and of course can win more.
2. Woods will not and wont see No.1 again- BS. Woods is putting like a bad 12 at the moment but as soon as he gets back in the groove he will be devastating again. He is the ONLY golfer that the whole field is paying attention to on the scoreboard and when he moves they all shudder!
3. Westwood wont win a major- But for a few stink putts on Sat this green Jacket could well have been his. Always finds someone comin out of the crowd to relegate him to third etc but it will come.
4. Harrington is an also ran- Jaysus Christ! He had at least 10 putts that he missed on Sunday alone that he would normally have got! The most deadly putter under pressure but just didnt fire on Sunday. Of course he will feature in Majors... Maybe even just Majors!!
5. Kutcher will win a Major-The US Open is so suited to his game. He has calmed hugely since his early years and will be a factor in time to come. He is young and confident and will win a US Open in the next five years.
6. South African Golf is strong-Just so obvious its ridiculous! The talent coming through is awesome and it looks like they may be even ahead of Australia at the moment.
7. Dustin Johnson-Too much of a sports freak to be a forgotten man! His money is made and all he needs now is Titles. He may have fallen out of love with the game but he will be back.
8. McIlroy not as good as we all think-I concur. The gap is so little between the top 12 in the world now. He is good but he aint no Tiger in his hay day!
9. Mickelson wont win another Major-Ridiculous. Similiar to Harrington... All he wants are Majors and he is not afraid to win them.
10.Europe over rated and US will win Ryder Cup-Europe are way on top at the moment with only maybe four of the US team in any form but Ryder Cup is on the day and anything can happen...

Just my thought....

Kutcher is a bit like Westwood. Poor putter. Should have been in the playoff but missed a couple of short putts on the back 9

DH2K9

AldilaMan wrote: »

Kutcher is a bit like Westwood. Poor putter. Should have been in the playoff but missed a couple of short putts on the back 9

He's one of the best putters on the PGA Tour?

PhilipMarlowe

He's playing great golf recently and his major record of the last 4 years (+ the masters just gone) has been savage, though without the W:
2nd & 3rd at The Masters
3rd twice at the US Open
2nd & 3rd at The Open
3rd at the PGA
Also has 3 top 5s in WGC events in that time.

So many of his missed putts catch some of the hole - must be incredibly frustrating.