World No. 3 Lee Westwood has been warming up for next week’s Masters in his Worksop backyard.
Westwood has been putting the practice putting green out back at ‘Westwood Manor’ in readiness for next week’s opening Major Championship of the New Year.
And while the Worksop green is nowhere near the speed of the greens at Augusta National, Westwood is happy with his game with just nine days to the commencement of the Masters.
Lee Westwood in customary 'playful' mood at this week's Shell Houston Open. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“I try to get my practice putting green as close as possible to Augusta, well as close as you can get it,” he said.
“The season in Britain from October around to March is fairly limited.
“I can’t get my green anywhere near 13, 14 or 15 on the stimp meter like at Augusta but I can get it to about eight or nine.
“But in the few weeks I’ve had off I now find myself spending a lot of time working on the shots I need to play at Augusta.
“Percentage wise, I’d say about 60% of my time is spent on the putting green or around the chipping green now, 40% on the range.”
Westwood heads into next week’s Masters with one of the best records of a player yet to win a Major.
He was reminded here at Houston on Tuesday morning that in 15 Major’s, he’s finished top-three on six occasions.
The last being third to Rory McIlroy in last year’s U.S. Open at Congressional.
“I think it proves I’m capable of winning Major Championships,” said Westwood.
“Lots of top-3s and just doing that and putting myself in position. When I get the chance, take it next time.
“It makes me look forward to Major Championships a lot more that I used to.
“And I feel like my game is better equipped to tackle Major Championship golf courses.”
Once again, Shell Houston Open organisers have endeavoured to set up this week’s Redstone course as much as they can to what those competitors travelling onto Augusta will face next week.
Westwood has contested the event on four occasions since 2007 including the last three years with a best finish of eighth behind American Anthony Kim in 2010.
