Westy: Major win next step

Westwod: Still yearning for first major

Lee Westwood was delighted to cement his position as world number one after winning the Ballantine’s Championship on Sunday.

The 38-year-old had been elevated to the top of the rankings following his success in the low-key Indonesian Masters the previous week, prompting negative press in the United States.

Westwood remains without a major title but at least back-to-back wins should keep the naysayers off his back – for now.

“When you’re number one it’s always nice to come to a place and play like the world number one and I think I did do this week,” he said.

“It was very tough out there and to go around without making a bogey, five birdies and 13 pars was a special round of golf I think.

“Professional golf is all about winning, and it’s great to do it back-to-back two weeks in a row.”

Westwood, who has recently expressed irritation at being asked questions about winning a first major, admitted it remains a priority.

“My next goal is to win a major championship,” he said. “It’s the dream of all professional golfers to get to number one in the world rankings, and I’ve done that.

“I haven’t won a major yet and that’s the missing thing. So that’s what I gave all my practice towards and my scheduling. That’s the next thing, hopefully.”

Westwood will now take two weeks off to prepare for the World Match Play in Spain starting on May 19.