Lee Westwood must look at Rory McIlroy with a bit of envy every once in a while. Two decades ago, Westwood was a young talent with nothing but possibilities in front of him. The fact that he now stands in the latter stages of his career with no major championship and/or World Golf Championship is a sad story of missed opportunities, bad luck and great golf.
It could have been so easy. He could have done what McIlroy did at last year’s U.S. Open, break through with a major championship early in his career. McIlroy will know the challenges of the same golf courses that Westwood has played, but he’ll never have to hear the whispers and the doubts about whether or not he’ll ever win the big one. It’s a chapter that will never exist in his career.
Today, Westwood and McIlroy meet in the Final Four of the WGC Accenture Match Play title. This is a tournament win that would be a big step for either player, but you have to imagine it means more to Westwood. There are fewer chances left for Lee. If he’s ever going to become a guy who wins the big ones – it might need to start today.
How fitting, then, that McIlroy stands directly in his path. The two are friends, colleagues and occasional teammates – but today they are competitors.
Even with all his humility and kindness, Westwood must burn to beat the kid. In his heart, he must believe that there are still lessons for McIlroy to learn that extend beyond an elusive major championship.
Each time we see a match like this, we debate whether experience can beat youth. Today will be one of the finer days in Westwood’s career.
Today, the years beat the youth.
“years beat the youth” – Darned kid ruined that prediction.
But, why should that pick be any different than the rest of the other WGC Pool choices (myself included)? At least Mrs. Scrambler is doing better (2nd if Rory wins).
It is widely reported that the two are not friends. It has been reported that they really do not get along at all.
Westwood is not on the downslide of his career? At 38 he is far from over the hill.
I love Rory’s game but it is only a matter of time before he gets Tigerized.
It is already happening. He is the next media darling, until he makes a mistake then they will chew him up and spit him out just like every other guy who accends up the ladder.
Mahan had something to say though, huh.
we can’t let the forgieners dominate everything. They already own the LPGA.
TK,
Do you think that the players from overseas simply have more desire than US-born players, on all tours?
I don’t think the Overseas players have more desire on the men’s tours.
Although on a individual basis I think the money ruins some guys drive. That is human nature though.
Here is what I see on the lpga.
I remember when Creamer, Pressel and Wie came out.
Especially Creamer and Pressel. They were balls of fire. slaming clubs, cursing under their breath things like that.
That showed desire. They were into it. Wanted to be the best. Now, I don’t see that desire anymore. I see alot of smiling and posing for pretty pictures and all kinds of other stuff.
Sure they have talent but they are using it to the fullest.
Gulbis is my last example. When are people going to admit she is not very good.
She has to resort to body paint now and acting like a playboy model to get attention.
She has entered the Anna stage of life.
Instead of spending 4 hours in a body paint chair she should be practicing and figuring out how to shoot under a 78.
I wanted to sum up my earlier comments.
No, I don’t think on the men’s tours it is a major issue.
Yes, On the women’s tours it is.