BEVERLY HILLS, December 22, (THEWILL) – It is award season and the golf honours have been handed out. The English golfer Lee Westwood has been named 2020 European Tour Golfer of the Year, ending the year as top golfer for the fourth time in his professional career.
He was previously European number one in 2000 and 2009. Between his first and this, Harry Vardon Trophy is a 20-year span which surpasses the previous record of a 15-year span held by Seve Ballesteros.
Severiano Ballesteros Sota was a Spanish professional golfer, former World No. 1 who was one of the sport’s leading figures from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s.
Westwood had a dream year that began with victory at the Abu Dhabi Championship in January, and ended with success at the Race to Dubai after finishing runner-up to Matt Fitzpatrick in the DP World Tour Championship this month.
The Englishman’s longevity means he becomes the oldest winner of the Race to Dubai at the age of 47 years, seven months and 20 days.
A 10-time Ryder Cup player, Westwood also hosted the British Masters for the second time at Close House in July. It was the tournament that marked the full resumption of the 2020 European tour season after a three-month suspension of activities due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns.
“I am very honoured and extremely flattered to have been named European Tour Golfer of the Year as I know the competition for the award this year would have been extremely high,” Westwood said in acknowledgment of the honour.
“Thank you to the media for voting for me and also huge congratulations again to everyone at the European Tour who did a tremendous job this year managing to put on a full international schedule under such difficult times.
“I never forget that I am extremely fortunate to do a job which I love, and which has sent me around the world playing in the most amazing places and meeting some wonderful people, so to win this award is very humbling.”
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour, said: “Lee has been an incredible ambassador for golf and for the European Tour, not just throughout 2020 but also across his entire career.
“His performances and his professionalism are matched by his longevity and his commitment to European golf.”
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
