Lee Westwood

Golfer, Lee Westwood

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Bassetlaw Sporting Greats

By Retford Library

Lee Westwood- Champion Golfer

Born in 1973, Lee Westwood attended Sir Edmund Hillary Primary and ValleySchools. As a boy, he was deeply involved in fishing-a great love of his father, John, but one school holiday, he asked if he could try something different and so his involvement in golf began. Lee made very rapid progress in the game.

He represented England Boys in 1989, was British Youth Champion in 1993 and turned professional in 1994. In 1999, Lee was the number one English golfer, the second European and reached fifth in the world rankings. In 2000, after a great “purple patch”, he reached number one spot in Europe. He won a total of six titles that year including the World Matchplay Championship.

Noted for his consistency, Lee is one of the few golfers who has won tournaments on every major continent. He was named Player of the Year for the 1998, 2000 and 2009 seasons. He has represented Europe for the last 7 Ryder Cups.

Still high in world rankings, Lee plans to move to the USA at the end of 2012 in order to increase his chances of staying at the top. He said the British weather played a part in his decision.

In 2012, Bassetlaw Council awarded him freedom of the district at Retford Town Hall.