Lee Westwood carves his win at Ballantine’s Championship – European Tour
The exciting Ballantine’s Championship sanctioned by the European Tour finally concluded yesterday. The 72-hole tournament was being played at the picturesque par-72, Blackstone Golf Course in Seoul, Korea. The world number one Lee Westwood proved himself once again by winning this tournament.
Westwood certainly assured himself another victory as he had a fantastic final round of five-under par, 67. He recently gained his number one ranking after he won the Indonesian Masters and wanted to strengthen his grip on his ranking. The Englishman also gained further world ranking points after he won Ballantine’s Championship.
All eyes were set on Westwood as he was the tournament's favourite. He certainly did prove a point about his ranking. The 38-year-old was under a bit of pressure before the tournament, as he was the top ranked player of the world.
The Englishman, Westwood, played great golf during his final round. He came from behind after the first round and carded under par rounds during all the final three days. His final round of 67 clearly shows that Westwood was in great shape with his swing and was hitting the ball well off the tee.
Westwood was bogey free for the final round and had five birdies on his score card. This was a great effort on the final day as he held on to his nerves and carved his way to victory. Once again, it was his approach shots which helped him manage such a brilliant score on the final day.
This was Westwood’s 21st victory playing on the European Tour. It was a great win for him as this was a back-to-back victory for the world number one. This win came after almost two years for the world number one. His last European Tour win came in 2009 at the Dubai World Championship.
The 38-year-old Westwood had a four-day score of twelve-under par, 276. He won this championship by a mere margin of just a single stroke. Westwood currently is 6th on the Race to Dubai rankings.
After lifting his 21st title, Westwood said, “It feels great. I must admit it was nerve-racking sitting there watching people play. I don't obviously wish ill on [Jiménez] but over those last three holes I wasn't cheering for him to make a birdie. I'm delighted. Professional golf is all about winning and it’s great to do it back-to-back two weeks in a row. It was nice to come back from last week and get it all together.”
The experienced Spaniard, Miguel Angel Jimenez, finished at the second spot. He was just one shot behind the winner. Jimenez had a moderate final round of one-under par, 71. The veteran had a total of three birdies and two bogeys on his score card.
Jimenez only needed a single birdie on the back-nine to go in a playoff with Westwood. It was a little disappointing for the experienced professional from Spain who failed to make a single birdie on his back-nine.
The Spaniard Jimenez finished the tournament on a high note and had a four-day score of eleven-under par, 277.
The young Korean Sang-hyun Park occupied the third place after the tournament. He had a 72-hole score of ten-under par, 278 and was two behind the winner.
The big hitting American Dustin Johnson also was happy as he played well during the championship. He was at the fourth spot and had a total score of nine-under par, 279.
Defending champion Marcus Fraser failed to produce his excellence this year. He finished at tied at the 27th spot and had a total score of two-under par, 286.
At the prize distribution ceremony, Westwood picked up the coveted trophy and the winner’s cheque of € 367,500. Westwood also praised the efforts of the course in charge and the sponsors at the end.
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