Westwood and Poulter round off 2011 in style
A MAGNIFICENT year for British golf was rounded off in fittingly triumphant style yesterday as Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter claimed season-ending victories.
Westwood stormed to his fourth title of the year by securing an emphatic seven-shot win over Charl Schwartzel at the Thailand Golf Championship – a success that saw him move up to No2 in the world rankings and leapfrog US Open champion Rory McIlroy.
“I’ve amazed myself really,” he said. “It’s probably the best I’ve ever played.”
Westwood, who closed with a round of 69 to finish on 22 under, will join the US Tour for the 2012 season and intends to improve his physical conditioning in the new year.
He said: “I’m going to continue to work on my fitness and all aspects of my game. I’m going in the right direction, I can see a lot of improvement and I’m happy with the way I’ve finished the year.”
Poulter, meanwhile, ensured there was no home victory at the Australian Masters, denying Marcus Fraser and Geoff Ogilvy by producing a superb final round of 67 to win by three shots.
“To come down here the week before Christmas and to win this tournament is very special,” he said.