...it's just getting up there and giving myself the opportunity.
...Lee Westwood
Lee Westwood 's Questions & Answers
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Q & A Got
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Each month I'll answer the best questions posed to me and put them on the site.
Your Questions Answered Why don't you sign-up and ask Lee a question? Your question might be one that is answered by Lee and when we post it on the site we'll email you to let you know.
Q.
" Lee, thanks for including the section on fitness on this web site. It's inspiring to see the changes you've made. I'd love to do the same thing for myself. Where can I get more information on the specifics of your routine? See you at the Match Play!" - Jeff Mann
A.
"It is important that any training programme is specific to the individual as well as the sport. Therefore I would recommend that you seek professional advice to tailor your programme to your strengths and weaknesses in relation to your golf swing." Regards Lee.
Q.
Hi Lee! You have a very individual Preshot Routine for your putting. Please explain to me the background of it! Greetings from Michael Frank - Austria
A.
The purpose of placing the putter in front of the ball is to keep things moving. It may also help with alignment and knowing where the putter has to travel to and past, but mainly so there is no opportunity to freeze over the putt. Nick Price also uses this method. All good putters have a routine which they try to stick to.
Q.
Hi Lee! I noticed on one of your photos (see the Gallery) that you are using an Eclipse putting trainer. That trainer is great! I have used the trainer many times. How are you finding it? Andrew Skidmore.
A.
The Eclipse putting trainer is excellent Andrew! It's very good for creating a repetitive stroke- best wishes, Lee.
Q.
"Hi Lee, hope you can help me. I keep hitting my shots left, either a straight shot left or a hooking type shot. It's destroying my game! Can you give me some advice please?" Alan Baker'... ps. Just bought the Perfect Swing aid. Hope this will also help me. Good to see you playing well again!"
A.
Alan, the Perfect Swing will help in keeping your head still. I would also suggest going to see a local PGA pro for a lesson. Best of Luck - Lee
Q.
Jack Donovan asked, "Lee, are you still primarily a fader of the ball, or have swing changes over the years changed your ball flight preference? Thanks!
A.
Jack, I'm still mainly a fader but swing changes have made it easier for me to shape the ball both ways - All the best, Lee
Q.
Hi Lee, my name's Ashley Sutton and I am currently studying a degree in golf and part of my course is to find out about player managers. How important is Chubby to you in making sure you're in the right place at the right time?
A.
Chubby is an extremely important part of my career on and off the golf course. He advises me on just about everything - coaches, caddies, hotels, my yearly golf schedules etc. He also negotiates all my contracts with potential commercial sponsors and club manufacturers. ISM has a great team working in the office and they arrange all hotel accommodation, tournament entries and anything else that crops up along the way. Good luck with your degree and I wish you every success. Regards, Lee.
Q.
Paul Ellis wrote, "Well done on Sunday Lee (Ryder Cup). Being a Forest fan like myself, have you played golf with any of the guys? If so are they any good?"
A.
I played with Dean Saunders when he was at Forest. He was a very competitive 14 handicap - All the best, Lee.
Q.
It's fantastic to see you back to a great level. Well done! When was the last time your father beat you at golf? And how do I stop telling people I knew you and your dad was my maths teacher? All the very Best!" - Al Munghum.
A.
He beats me all the time as I'm too generous and give him too many shots! - Best wishes, Lee.
Q.
Lee Kerr wrote, " I am trying to reduce my handicap from 11 to scratch but I am unsure as to how to practice. Also when did you know you had what it takes to be a tour pro?"
A.
Practise on your short game a lot. You are never sure that you are good enough until you qualify at Tour School. - Lee
Q.
David Dutton asked, "Lee, if you could change any R & A rule/s, which would it be?"
A.
Water in a bunker. I think it is unfair to drop as it usually plugs - best wishes Lee
Q.
"Hi, I have only been playing for 6 months and just can't get used to my woods. I keep slicing to the left, have you any tips for me ?" - Darren Harris
A.
Yes Darren, a lesson with a PGA Pro is a good investment for your game. Slicing is a common fault among amateur players. Good Luck! Lee
Q.
How did Lee get a Manager and Sponsorship?
A.
Between PQ1 and Tour School there had been no approach from any management group. Ian Garbutt, who was a friend of Lee, was managed by Andrew (Chubby)Chandler of ISM, so Lee's dad, John gave him a call. Chubby paid a visit to Worksop, had a chat to Lee and has managed his affairs ever since.
Lee attended the Apollo week at San Roc and won the Pro-Am, which in turn gave him an invitation to the tournament later in the year, in Japan. ISM negotiated some sponsorship, probably because of Lee's good position at Tour School and his young age. Lee made his first twelve cuts on tour (and was therefore not quiteso reliant on sponsorship) and finished the year winning £123,000. In his second year sponsorship deals were easier to get.
Q.
How long has Lee been using PING clubs?
A.
Lee started playing with his first set of Pings when he was nearly fourteen. His father approached Karsten Ping UK (Gainsborough, Lincs) about receiving a loaner set of clubs and a bag for Lee. Lee joined the PING Tour Staff in 1993.
Q.
Who taught Lee as a junior?
A.
Once Lee decided to become a member of Worksop Golf Club, he came under the wing of John King (now Pro at Lindrick), who was then the resident PGA golf professional. John recalls...
"When Lee Westwood joined the junior section of Worksop Golf club in his early teens there was no clue that we had a superstar golfer of the future. It was very evident early on though that Lee was enthusiastic to learn. At the time we had a junior coaching programme that Lee had joined. I remember back to those days where he couldn't reach the first hole at Worksop (375yds) with two woods! And yes he did use actual wooden woods!
The junior section was quite competitive, as it is today, with all the lads trying to outdo each other. With the coaching, we worked on developing a good set up and good habits in the swing. At that time Lee was quite small but that didn't deter him from trying to keep up with the bigger boys. He didn't hold back. In an attempt to hit the ball further he had a tendency to dip, with his head dropping back and down, similar to Seve. We constantly worked on his set up and balance and turning the shoulders instead of tilting. The trophies soon started coming in and we started to realise that we had someone a little special..."
John King kindly loaned us a photo from the mid-80's in which you can see a cherubic face addressing the camera, whilst fellow juniors somewhat seriously address the ball!
Q
Has Lee ever had a hole in one in professional play?
A
Yes, his first hole-in-one was at the British Masters on 6th June 2003 (2nd round/5th hole). His second ace of the season took place at the 226yd 8th hole (four-iron) in the final round of the Linde German Masters, September 21st, which earned him a 1kg gold bar!
Q
When did he make his first albatross?
A
Lee had his first albatross (218 yds, again using his PING four-iron)at the 9th hole (Lee's final hole) in the third round of the Dunhill Links on the Kingsbarns course (27th September, 2003) and also signed for a new course record of 62.
Q
First off, Its good to see Lee playing consistent golf again.His weekend average from last year to this is moving in the right direction. My question is, what goals does Lee set at the start of each year, if any? Graham Kelbie
A
Thanks Graham! My goals? To improve my world ranking. I set goals that are attainable but not too easy.
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