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Lee Westwood Returns to British Open After Qualifying with Exceptional Rounds

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Lee Westwood earned his way into the British Open at Royal Portrush through Final Regional Qualifying, held over four courses in England and Scotland, with rounds of 70-67 at Dundonald Links. This was his first major since joining Saudi-funded LIV Golf three years ago. Westwood, a 52-year-old from England with 25 titles on the European tour and three Order of Merit titles, led the five qualifiers at Dundonald at 7-under 137. Among the 20 players who qualified, Westwood was one of three LIV Golf players to participate.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lee Westwood qualified for the British Open with rounds of 70-67 at Dundonald Links.
  • He was one of three LIV Golf players to participate in the Final Regional Qualifying, along with Lucas Herbert and Dean Burmester.
  • Westwood, a former world No. 1, has 25 titles on the European tour and three Order of Merit titles.
  • Richard Teder became the first player from Estonia to compete in the British Open.
  • Teder won his place in the tournament by winning a four-man playoff for the last two spots.
  • Graeme McDowell, who grew up at Portrush, was among the five LIV players who missed out at Royal Cinque Ports.
  • Ian Poulter and his 21-year-old son Luke, who play at Florida and was an alternate at the U.S. Open last month, also missed out.
  • Seven other LIV players didn't make it, either finishing outside the top five or withdrawing in the middle of the round.

Statistics:

  • Westwood's qualifying score of 137 at Dundonald Links was 7-under par.
  • The British Open is scheduled to take place from July 17-20 at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
  • There were 20 players who qualified through Final Regional Qualifying, with five spots available at each of the four courses.
  • Three LIV Golf players participated in the qualifying rounds, with Westwood and two others earning spots in the tournament.

Sources:

  • AP (2025) - Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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