Lee Westwood wins the inaugural Indonesian Masters and is all set to become World Number One again
World number two, Lee Westwood, had an amazing display of quality and precision and overtook formidable Asian stars to clinch the inaugural title of the Indonesian Masters. Westwood has done everything right to get back to the number one spot. His spot is
guaranteed only if his countryman Luke Donald fails to win this weekend.
The 38-year-old Englishman, who just turned 39 this Sunday, April 24, had previously vowed to celebrate his birthday in grand style by winning the tournament. The $118,875 is probably the best gifts Westwood could have given himself in a strong field of
sturdy Asians who challenged him right from the beginning.
“This will definitely be the most memorable birthday for me,” said the Englishman.
Westwood played most of the holes today for even par and rarely looked in a commanding position, particularly when Thongchai Jaidee was moving with a fast pace to climb the leaderboard. His birdie putt on the 11th probably restored his confidence.
With even par front nine, Westwood started off the back nine with a birdie-bogey and went over to finish the rest of the eight holes for straight pars.
“Yeah, that was probably the hardest putt I had all day. It was 15 feet and had a three feet break on it. I birdied the next with two good shots and played solidly. I managed to pick up a few shots and birdied the 16 from four feet. I was quite comfortable
after that,” said Westwood.
The final round suffered a delay on the last hole due to unforeseen lightning bolts. The play resumed later and Westwood emerged victorious with three-under, 69, three strokes ahead of Asian Thongchai Jaidee. Jaidee posted an impressive display to challenge
Westwood and posted an opening front nine with no less than five birdies. Westwood finished with an aggregate of 19-under, 269 while Jaidee finished with an aggregate of 16-under, 272.
Australian Marcus Both, Bangladesh’s Siddikur, South Korean Park Hyun-bin and Thailand’s Thitiphun Chuayprakong all finished for 13-under, 275 to settle for third place. Bothe posted a final round of six-under, 66 to record one of his impressive performances
on the tour.
Spectators now await the new number one in World Golf Rankings to emerge Monday.
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