DUNDONALD, Scotland — Lee Westwood secured his return to The Open Championship after a three-year absence, clinching victory in the Final Qualifying event at Dundonald Links on Tuesday. The 51-year-old Englishman, a former world No. 1, carded rounds of 68 and 66 to finish at 10-under-par, topping the leaderboard by two strokes and earning one of five coveted spots available at the Ayrshire venue.
Westwood, who last competed in The Open in 2021 at Royal St George's, demonstrated his trademark consistency under pressure. His performance at Dundonald—a course he knows well from past Scottish Opens—was a masterclass in strategic play, particularly on the demanding closing stretch. "I’ve always loved links golf, and this feels like a proper reward for grinding it out," Westwood said post-round.
A Veteran’s Triumph
The victory marks a significant milestone for Westwood, who turned professional in 1993 and has 44 worldwide wins to his name. Despite his recent focus on the LIV Golf circuit, where he captains the Majesticks GC team, Westwood’s desire to compete in major championships remains undiminished. His last major appearance was the 2022 PGA Championship, making this Open qualification a poignant return to the stage where he has 11 top-10 finishes, including runner-up in 2010 and 2013.
Westwood’s path to qualification wasn’t without drama. After an opening 68, he surged into contention with a flawless second-round 66, highlighted by four birdies in his final seven holes. "I knew I had to finish strong—the wind was up, and the guys behind me were charging," he admitted. Key moments included:
- A 25-foot birdie putt at the par-3 12th
- A clutch up-and-down from a greenside bunker at the 16th
- A closing birdie at the 18th, where he stiffed a 7-iron to three feet
The Road Back to Royal Troon
This year’s Open will be held at Royal Troon, a venue where Westwood has mixed memories. In 2016, he finished T2 behind Henrik Stenson in what many consider one of the greatest duels in major championship history. "Troon owes me one after that playoff," Westwood joked, referencing Stenson’s record-breaking 63 in the final round. His familiarity with the Ayrshire coast—where winds and pot bunkers demand precision—makes him a dark horse contender.
Qualifying Field Highlights
Westwood wasn’t the only notable name to emerge from Dundonald. The other four qualifiers included:
- Sam Hutsby (England, -8): The 35-year-old journeyman secured his first major start after years on the Challenge Tour.
- Jack McDonald (Scotland, -7): The local favorite delighted home crowds with a back-nine 31.
- Lars van Meijel (Netherlands, -6): The left-hander’s steady play earned his maiden Open appearance.
- Matthew Southgate (England, -5): Survived a 3-for-1 playoff to return to The Open after a seven-year hiatus.
For Westwood, the achievement carries extra weight. At 51, he becomes the oldest player to qualify via Final Qualifying since Tom Watson in 2015. "Age is just a number if you’ve got the game and the grit," he remarked, dismissing suggestions that his best days are behind him.
Reactions and Rivalry Renewed
News of Westwood’s qualification sparked reactions across the golf world. Ryder Cup teammate Ian Poulter tweeted: "Never in doubt. The old dog’s still got it!" Meanwhile, LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman—a two-time Open champion himself—praised Westwood’s resilience: "This is why majors matter. Legends writing new chapters."
The victory also sets up a potential reunion with longtime rival Phil Mickelson, who received a special exemption into this year’s Open. The pair’s 2004 Ryder Cup singles match—where Westwood famously closed out Lefty on the 18th—remains iconic. "Phil and I have had some battles. Maybe Troon will add another," Westwood mused.
With The Open now secured, Westwood’s focus shifts to preparation. He’ll play the LIV Golf event at Valderrama the week prior, treating it as "a perfect warm-up for links conditions." As for expectations? "I’m not there to make up the numbers," he asserted. Given his pedigree, few would bet against him.
