Lee Westwood
Your Golf Travel Chief Holiday Officer
Your Golf Travel Chief Holiday Officer
We're thrilled to have 10-time Ryder Cup player Lee Westwood as our Chief Holiday Officer, bringing Your Golf Travel customers, the very best golf holidays and deals at fantastic destinations across the globe.
With 44 professional wins and 3 Race to Dubai (Order of Merit) victories, Lee Westwood is one of England's most treasured golfers. Lee's golfing highlights include best finishes of 2nd at The Open Championship and The Masters as well as ties for 3rd in the US Open and USPGA. As a regular on the PGA Tour and European Tour, Westwood will be bringing YGT customers a unique insight and advice from the US and worldwide tournament golf.
Lee's career has seen him reach the very top of the game, assuming the mantle of World Number 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking in October 2010. As one of Europe's most successful Ryder Cup players, Westwood is now just 2.5 points shy of Sergio Garcia's record of 25.5 points.
![Your Golf Travel vs Former World #1 Lee Westwood [GIVEAWAY!]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/anNXjdg_WIA/hqdefault.jpg)
![LEE WESTWOOD WINS IN ABU DHABI! 44 Professional Wins + Tour Wins in 4 Different Decades! [2020]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6Z1641Klrlg/hqdefault.jpg)
Co. Limerick, Ireland
"I was here recently for my birthday and it's such an incredible venue which oozes prestige and grandeur. The venue is being dubbed to be the 2026 Ryder Cup venue and I think this would be an excellent choice.
From the manor hotel to the refurbished golf course, everything is perfectly manicured and maintained; it's definitely one of my favourite places to stay in the UK & Ireland."
St James, Barbados
"Sandy Lane is such a special place and one I try to visit as much as I can, because not only do the staff make you feel so welcome, but the grounds take your breath away.
Staying here never disappoints; the suites go way beyond what you expect from five-star accommodation and of course, walking out onto the famous Green Monkey is something you never get bored of."
Bangkok, Thailand
"I've stayed at the St Regis in Bangkok a few times, and I would have to say that it’s not just my favourite place to stay when I’m playing in Thailand, but one of my favourite hotels in the whole world. It occupies an amazing spot right in the heart of the city, and overlooks a golf course and a horse racing track – which is another favourite sport of mine
The rooms are huge, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a great view of the city, which looks even better at night, each room even comes with its own private butler, no matter what size of room you’ve got."
Below is a brief selection of some of the venues Lee has either been lucky enough to win at or been the scene of a great Ryder Cup!
Dubai, UAE
Dubai World Championship
"The first time I won in Dubai was the 1st year when the old Order of Merit system had been replaced with the Race to Dubai so I was very proud to secure the win at the Jumeirah Golf Estates. I was absolutely honoured to win the Race to Dubai again in 2020 and believe I've made the record books as the oldest person to win it! It's a cracking course with great driving holes - Greg Norman did a really job creating it. "
Johannesburg, South Africa
Nedbank Golf Challenge
"I have now won the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City three times and absolutely love this resort; Gary Player is a legend of the game and has worked wonders with such an incredible landscape. South Africa has an amazing culture and the golf to go with it, Sun City epitomises everything I enjoy about travelling here from the quality of the course to the impeccable resort hospitality. "
Costa del Sol, Spain
1997 Ryder Cup
"My first Ryder Cup experience at Valderrama is certainly one which will live long in the memory. I managed to claim 2 points out of a possible 3 with Nick Faldo, including a memorable 2 and 1 victory over Tiger and Mark O'Meara in the Saturday four-ball matches. I've always enjoyed playing at Valderrama as it is very demanding off the tee and although I've not quite managed an individual victory, a tie for 4th in 2008 was my most recent result, there it always provides a great test."
Jerez, Spain
Volvo Masters
"The Volvo Masters was my 2nd win on the European Tour. The tournament was usually held at Valderrama but the year I won was the 1st time it had been hosted at Montecastillo. This is a cracking Jack Nicklaus course and the whole complex has a Wentworthy feel to it, with the huge El Castillo clubhouse proudly overlooking the course. Like lots of Jack's courses, there is room off the tee but the closer you get to the green, the more accurate you have to be."
Stockholm, Sweden
Nordea Masters
"Bro Hof Slott is another course I have very fond memories of and not just because I won my third Nordea Masters there by 5 shots! Every inch of the course seems to have been in perfect condition when I've played there and it's long; really long! Amateurs should definitely think about playing from slightly forward tees and from there it's really a case of avoiding the water. Easier said than done when there's so much of it, especially on the island green 17th - make sure you have the right club!"
Algarve, Portugal
Portugal Masters
"Before winning the Portugal Masters at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Club, I hadn't won a tournament for a couple of years but had come close, losing a few playoffs, with plenty of top 10s and close calls, so it was nice to get back into the winner's circle! The win also got me back into the top five in the world. Dom Pedro Victoria is a ball striker's course. It's long but there's plenty of room so you can have a bit of fun with the driver. Course management is important here as there is a bit of water in play."
Bruges, Belgium
Belgian Open
"Royal Zoute is probably my favourite golf course in Belgium and I have enjoyed my fair share of success there in the past, winning the Belgian Open in 1998 and again in 2000 for my fifth win of the season. The layout's great and I love the blend of perfectly manicured greens and fairways, and the natural, rough and ready landscape the course sits on. It isn't that well known compared to other top courses in Europe so I'd urge golfers to check it out. It's a real hidden gem."
Crans-Montana, Switzerland
European Masters
"What can you say about Crans-sur-Sierre? It's almost impossible not to enjoy a round of golf somewhere this beautiful and it might just be the most spectacular place I have ever played. I was lucky enough to win the 1999 European Masters here which at the time was my third win on the trot on the European Tour. The course is unique and in an amazing setting. It's fun playing here as the ball goes absolutely miles due to the altitude. If you fancy hitting the biggest drives of your life, this is the place!"
Stockholm, Sweden
Scandinavian Masters
" Kungsangen is one of many top courses in Sweden. It hosted the Scandinavian Masters a few times around the turn of the millennium and it's a great course to play. The fairways are tree-lined, the greens are big and really slopey and there are enough water hazards and bunkers to test your iron play too. When I won here I shot a really good 63 in the 1st round which set up the win, but there are always plenty of chances to lose shots along the way, so take care off the tee. "
"I am the attached tour pro for Close House so I do have a certain soft spot for the place, in particular the Colt Course, which I think is one of the top new courses in to have been built in recent years.
I know Scott Macpherson put in a huge amount of effort into his research on Harry Colt courses and I think he's done a brilliant job designing the course with those old school design principles in mind. The course is a cracker and it's only going to get better with time, it is well worth a visit!"
Dundee & Angus, Scotland
Alfred Dunhill Links
"Carnoustie is a great golf course. Certainly one of the toughest I have played but if you embrace the challenge, it's really rewarding when you shoot a good score. One of the best rounds I have ever played was actually at Carnoustie and it was a level par 72! That's an indication of how tough this course can get from time to time. I've done ok here in the Open Championship previously with a tie for 18th my best result, hopefully when The Open returns here I'll be able to better that!"
St Andrews, Scotland
Alfred Dunhill Links
"What's not to love about the Old Course? I think all golfers who have a love for the game need to play here at some point. I count myself fortunate to have won here. Being presented with the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship trophy in such an iconic place was an amazing experience and hopefully one day I'll get my hands on the Claret Jug here too. I think that's the ultimate for any British golfer. Whilst the record books will say I came 2nd here in 2010, I was 7 shots back from Louis Oosthuizen!"
Fife, Scotland
Alfred Dunhill Links
" I love Kingsbarns but I suppose it's hard not to love a course where you've shot a 62 which included an Albatross! Everything seemed to be going my way around the time of the Alfred Dunhill in 2003 so to get the chance to play such a spectacular course when you're on form is great. Kingsbarns might be manmade to a certain degree but it looks and feels every bit the real deal. Holes like 12 and 15 are simply stunning, just make sure you take the correct club or you could find yourself in the sea!"
West Midlands, England
British Masters
"I love playing at The Belfry. Obviously with the Ryder Cup history it has, I have plenty of fond memories of The Brabazon course and my win at the British Masters in 2007 makes it an even more special venue for me. I played really solidly on Sunday that year and ended up winning by 5 shots I think. Poults had pushed me all day but after holing a long birdie putt on the 16th, I eagled the next and it left me with a relatively easy walk up 18 to claim the title."
Dublin, Ireland
European Open
"Obviously the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club was a special event. It wasn't just the fact that we won by a record margin but the emotion surrounding the event, what with what was going on with Darren at the time, made for an incredible few days. Darren was immense that week and won all three points and I was lucky enough to have him as a partner. I also enjoyed back to back wins there at the European Open so it's a place I always enjoy going back to."
Northumberland, England
Great North Open
"I was playing really well in the summer of 2000 and won five events including the European Grand Prix at Slaley Hall, near Newcastle, my second win of the season. I finished on -12 which was good enough to beat Darren Clarke by 5! The Hunting Course there is relatively young but is one of the best new courses in England and I've really enjoyed it when I've played there. It has a few hints of Augusta about it, plus has some really testing drives and some slick greens."
Ryder Cup & European Tour player Lee Westwood gives you golf tips on how to play out of a bunker in this Bunker Clinic.
Filmed in Dubai last year, Your Golf Travel's Chief Holiday Officer Lee Westwood goes through tips on how to play bunker shots from a regular lie. Now that we are allowed back on the golf course with guidance from the government, it's time to learn how to successfully play out of the bunker.
Find out more about Golf Holidays in Dubai >>
Rory talks to Lee Westwood about his recent form on the PGA Tour including runner up finishes at The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and The Players Championship at Sawgrass, as well as looking ahead to The 2021 Masters Tournament at Augusta National.
Having played brilliantly in recent events on the PGA Tour, Lee heads to Augusta in a rich vein of form, having climbed back to no. 20 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Lee Westwood has a strong record at Augusta, with 6 Top 10 finishes including 2 runner up finished to his name.
Find out more about The Masters >>
Rory talks to Lee Westwood about his historic 2020 season which included winning the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championships, The Race to Dubai & European Tour Golfer of The Year.
Lee is in Dubai, preparing for his defence of his HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championships title, as well as The Dubai Desert Classic a couple of weeks later. As well as his 2020 season, Rory talks to Lee about his upcoming year, courses he has played since landing in Dubai.
With the UK in lockdown, Rory also talks to Lee about how he stayed prepared during the early lockdowns in 2020 and how much his current fitness regime contributes towards his continued success on The European Tour.
Find out more about Golf Holidays in Abu Dhabi >>
Rory talks to Lee Westwood about his performance at The US Open, Bryson Dechambeau, The 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits and play The Masters in November.
The 2020 Ryder Cup has been postponed until 2021, so we caught up with Lee Westwood to hear what he has to say about his chances of making the team, as well as the qualification process in place for 2021, the golf course at Whistling Straits, and playing professional golf without fans.
We also ask Lee about Bryson DeChambeau at The US Open and what he’s looking forward to most about playing at The Masters at Augusta National in November.
Find out more about The Ryder Cup >>
Filmed at The Els Club Dubai, this 3 Hole Golf Challenge pits a former World Number One Golfer vs a club golfer, Rory from Your Golf Travel...but there's a twist!
Lee Westwood may have won 24 times on the European Tour, as well as playing in 10 Ryder Cup Teams, but Rory is armed with 3 Wildcards which will hopefully trip Lee up along the way.
Your Golf Travel's Rory is a seasoned YouTube golfer, but as we've seen from Mark Crossfield course vlogs with Coach Lockey, Dan Hendriksen and many other golfers such as Francesco Molinari, Steve Buzza, Kevin Harper and James Pickard; that is far from a guarantee of seeing the best golf shots. Funny golf videos thanks to golf fails and some of the worst golf shots imaginable is more what we're used to there!
Find out more about Golf Holidays in Dubai >>
While filming a 3 Hole Wildcard Golf Challenge with Lee Westwood, Rory goes behind the scenes at The Els Club, Dubai. The main challenge video is dropping soon so be sure to check it out when it does!
Former world number one golfer VS a handicap golfer...sounds fair to us!
Golf in Dubai speaks for itself. With two golf clubs hosting events on the European Tour on an annual basis, Emirates & Jumeirah Earth, the quality of golf is nothing short of incredible. It’s not just the golf that appeals though, from visiting the Burj Khalifa, to shopping in the enormous Dubai Mall, there are more than enough activities to suit all tastes.
Find out more about Golf Holidays in Dubai >>
Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood treats Your Golf Travel Clients to Bunker Tips during a surprise visit at Close House.
A group of 24 golfers booked their annual golf trip (Ryder Cup style match) with Your Golf Travel to Close House. As a thank you, we sent our Chief Holiday Officer Lee Westwood to surprise them and give them a few hints and tips on getting out of a bunker.
Find out more about Golf Breaks in the UK & Ireland >>
| Date | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Aug 1996 | Volvo Scandinavian Masters |
| Nov 1997 | Volvo Masters Andalucia |
| Jun 1998 | Deutsche Bank-SAP Open-TPC of Europe |
| Jun 1998 | National Car Rental English Open |
| Jul 1998 | The Standard Life Loch Lomond |
| Oct 1998 | Belgacom Open |
| Jul 1999 | TNT Dutch Open |
| Aug 1999 | Smurfit European Open |
| Sep 1999 | Canon European Masters |
| May 2000 | Deutsche Bank-SAP Open TPC of Europe |
| Jun 2000 | Compaq European Grand Prix |
| Jul 2000 | Smurfit European Open |
| Aug 2000 | Volvo Scandinavian Masters |
| Date | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Sep 2000 | Belgacom Open |
| Aug 2003 | BMW International Open |
| Sep 2003 | Dunhill Links Championship |
| May 2007 | Valle Romano Open de Andalucia |
| Sep 2007 | Quinn Direct British Masters |
| Oct 2009 | Portugal Masters |
| Nov 2009 | Dubai World Championship |
| May 2011 | Ballantine's Championship |
| Jun 2012 | Nordea Masters |
| Apr 2014 | Maybank Malaysian Open |
| Nov 2018 | Nedbank Golf Challenge |
| Jan 2020 | Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship |
| Date | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Apr 1998 | Freeport-McDermott Classic |
| Jun 2010 | St. Jude Classic |
| Date | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Nov 1996 | Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters |
| Nov 1997 | Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters |
| Nov 1998 | Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters |
| Nov 1998 | Dunlop Phoenix Tournament |
| Date | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Mar 1997 | Malaysian Open |
| Apr 1999 | Macau Open |
| Apr 2011 | Indonesian Masters |
| May 2011 | Ballatine's Championship |
| Dec 2011 | Thailand Golf Championship |
| Date | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Apr 2012 | CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters |
| Apr 2014 | Maybank Malaysian Open |
| Dec 2014 | Thailand Golf Championship |
| Apr 2015 | CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters |
| Date | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Feb 2000 | Dimension Data Pro-Am |
| Dec 2010 | Nedbank Golf Challenge |
| Dec 2011 | Nedbank Golf Challenge |
| Date | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Nov 1997 | Holden Australian Open |
| Date | Tournament |
|---|---|
| Oct 2000 | Cisco World Match Play Championship |
| Nov 2003 | Nelson Mandela Invitational |