Lee Westwood hopes to persuade Prime Minister David Cameron for more finances for English golf
Lee Westwood, current World number two and a staunch supporter of English golf, admitted that the sport needs more financial backing to compete with other neighbouring countries. The 38-year-old has been eloquently supporting the cause and with his stellar
performance and respected rankings, he surely knows what he is talking about.
"The strength of British golf is amazing at the moment," said Westwood. "We all watch Wimbledon clinging on to the one British hope in tennis yet in golf you can look down the world rankings and see so many people who could win a major."
Golf in the United Kingdom has been experiencing a second birth with half a dozen of the Brits occupying the top 15 in Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy representing the Northern Ireland and Paul Casey and Ian Poulter
representing England, the pack is led by Luke Donald at the top of the clan. The recent surge owes most part of it to Tiger Woods fall to obscurity and his bleak performances in the past two years.
Westwood also emphasized on the need to stage more events in the UK and suggested a more established permanent events to be held in the country. He also hoped to acquire more financial support from Prime Minister David Cameron on the issue but agreed, at
the same time, that the prospects of such a help in current economic crisis is less likely.
"You can only try, keep knocking on the door." said Westwood. "Finances are tight at the moment but when you look at how much the Spanish government have invested in golf - they have seven in Spain this year, France has two or three and England - the hotbed
of golf - has one."
Westwood has been one of the key factors who breathed new life in the otherwise fading sport of the country. He knocked off Woods in the OWGR and held the position for 17 months before he was dethroned by Martin Kaymer in WGC Accenture Match Play event at
Tucson, Arizona.
The Englishman regained the spot only after few weeks with his consecutive victories on the Asian Tour, only to lose it again to countryman Donald. Westwood has not won a major in his long career and is hoping to break the taboo at the third major of the
season, The Open Championship at Sandwich this month.
Queen of England bestowed Westwood with the honours of Officer of The British Empire (OBE) a few weeks before the US Open, to acknowledge his contribution to the sport in the country. He has also been reported to recently sign a contract with Close House
Hotel and Golf in Newcastle. Westwood will be hoping to stage a separate event at the course with his new associate Graham Wylie, owner of the club.
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