Lee Westwood – The New World No.1

The news that Lee Westwood’s accent to the top of Golf’s World Rankings was officially completed on Monday and is yet another boost for British and European Golf.

The fact is that no matter what happens over the rest of Westwood’s career, whether he wins a major or not, he can still tell his Grandkids that he deposed the great Tiger Woods from the Number 1 spot in the World Rankings, not too many people can claim to have ever done that.

It was a shame that injury has prevented him from finishing the job actually playing golf – only Martin Kaymer was in a position to do that over the weekend – but it’s still a great achievement.

It also comes shortly after Westwood was the lead out man in Europe’s Ryder Cup team, another accolade he can be very proud off.

For me, Westwood is the best iron player in the game, his consistency from tee-to-green is quite remarkable these days. That seems to be the main foundations on which he has achieved this current success.

People will still question whether Westwood is really the best golfer in the world as he has never won a major. Well, statistically he is, although I’m not totally convinced myself.

He is certainly the most consistent though, finishing 2nd in two of this seasons majors (Masters and Open), but he faded badly under pressure from Phil Mickelson in the Masters and could only shoot a final round 71 when a strong finish was needed.

It might sound harsh, but a solid number 1 would probably have finished that job.

I do though believe that it is just the mental barrier of getting over the line that has prevented Westwood from claiming a major. When/If he gets one, I expect more will follow.

Maybe now his new status will give him that extra bit of self belief to finally get the job done, I certainly hope it does.