Westwood warms up well

LEE Westwood warmed up for the US Open in perfect fashion, with victory in the Nordea Masters in Sweden.

The Worksop man powered his way to a five stroke victory at the Bro Hof Slott Golf Club, in his preparations for this week’s major.

Westwood, 39, clinched his third win in the Swedish event, with a new set of irons and a brand new putter.

The win will fill him with confidence ahead of his 57th attempt to win a major title, when he tees off with Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy at the Olympic Club, San Francisco on Thursday.

“I’ll tee off on Thursday with a lot of confidence,” he said, after finishing 19 under par at the Nordea Masters.

An opening round of 68 included five birdies and just one dropped shot.

His second round was a masterclass, with eight birdies in a 64 that gave him the lead going into Friday’s play.

The lead he took into the final day was three shots, thanks to five birdies and a bogey in round three.

And on Saturday an eagle on the 12th saw him take control as his challengers fell away, Westwood finishing with a 69.

He was delighted with the new clubs in his bag, and also his performance.

“I think they’ve earned the right to stay in,” he said.

“You’re never too sure first time in the bag, but you don’t win tournaments by five shots without playing really well.”

Mark Foster finished in a share of 52nd place following rounds of 70-71-71 and 75 for a total of 287, one under par.