WGC event ends early for Westwood

The first World Golf Championship event of the season ended early for Worksop’s Lee Westwood, as he went out in the first round of the Accenture Matchplay at Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona.

A snow storm on the opening day interrupted the match between Westwood and Spaniard Rafael Cabrero-Bello.

Westwood was in front all the way through the game, notching up five birdies along the way.

But his opponent birdied the 18th hole to take the tie to extra holes, and a birdie four at the 19th saw the man from Spain progress to the second round.

The former Valley student is next in action close to his home in Florida, at the Honda Classic on the Palm Beach Gardens course.

Speaking on the benefits of his relocation from Bassetlaw, Westwood said: “I’m notoriously a slow starter normally, but this year has been different thanks to the move to America.”

“Instead of the clubs gathering dust in the Worksop winter, they’ve been put to regular use in the Florida sun.”

“When I lived in England, I would go home and pack the clubs away at the end of the season.”

“But this year I was out in shorts in the sunshine and practising hard.”

“My game is in good shape and I’m excited about the year ahead.”