WHY I AM A LEE WESTWOOD FAN ...
Steve Clayton says, I recently took my sons (youngest aged 8) to the British Masters. After the play off, which we watched from the 18th grandstand, my youngest asked if we could try to get Lee's autograph. After giving interviews, Lee walked towards the Clubhouse and my son stood patiently, pen and paper in hand, as Lee strode towards us. As the masses reached out to grab anything that Lee was willing to give away, my son was a bit overawed and didn't even get a chance to ask for Lee's autograph. However, much to our surprise and huge delight, Lee took his cap off and placed it on my son's head. If he was speechless before, he was gobsmacked afterwards. I just wanted to do something to say thank you for such a wonderful gesture. Lee is a world class sportsmen and a world class gentleman. Taking time out for his youngest fans guarantees their support forever. And as for me, I was totally bowled over. I'm realistic enough to appreciate that emails such as this rarely reach the main man (yes they do!), but just in case this does, thank Lee for a wonderful gesture. I'm no eBay collector looking for a fast buck - my son has asked for a cabinet(!) to put the cap in so it will be staying around our family for years to come.....that's if he doesn't end up wearing it when he's next on the golf course.
Euan English of Erskine Golf Club/World of Golf with Lesley Mackay... I think you are a great golfer and I hope one day to be like you. I am 9 years old and have one more card to get my first handicap. I have lessons at World of Golf every week. I have also completed the gold section with the YMG.
I have followed you round lots of courses in Scotland this year.You were very kind and gave me one of your golf balls at Loch Lomond and you signed my hat at Carnoustie. My Mum is also a great fan.
Tom Pinder of Sutton GC... I have loved Lee for ages and I think he is world class. I already play for a golf club and my nickname is Big Lee! Lee you are the biggest inspiration ever!
Jean Wrightohn of Pike Hills, York, says, "I have followed Lee for years and in his lean years I thought it was only because he had a young family and I think he devoted more time to them, which I admire him for... he got his priorities right. I am convinced 2009 will be the year he wins one of the big majors!
From Darrell Hood...I have long been a fan of yours, saw you play at Southern Hills in 2001, and 2007. I am from Oklahoma City , Ok. I have to say this is the first time I have ever emailed a professional golfer. I read your response after the Ryder Cup regarding fans behavior etc. I have to say I admire and have great respect for you and your actions. I have always enjoyed watching your game, as well as the way you conduct yourself. I wish you the best on your future on tour and I hope to see you win a major soon, although I can't root for you in the Ryder Cup, I do have great respect for you. If you are ever in Oklahoma give be an email and we can play 18, I may not give you much of a match, I am a 6 handicap.
Freya Barksby of Gainsborough Golf Club ."I love watching Lee play golf. He is a fantastic inspiration to all us juniors that play the game. He often comes to our club and signs hats and I would love to have a round with him. Lee is a true inspiration!"
Sunisa Chatuthip emailed to say, "You ' re my favourite golfer . I met you at The Royal Trophy in Thailand. I was very glad to see you and hope to see you again next year. I had my photograph taken with you and think you are very nice and kind".
Dave Riddell of Ohio says he's a fan because "Lee plays the game the right way. I admire his dedication to the history of the sport as well as his attention to the newly forged physical demands of competition on the global stage. He is a role model and I always find myself applauding his friendship with Darren Clarke. Go get 'em Westy! We love you in Ohio!"
Jenny Rowe from the US says, " I saw you play for the first time during round 2 at the Masters.....I was sitting right behind the 14th tee box and was amazed by your swing. Good luck in the final round!!!! "
Nick Lobdell from the US emailed us to say, " I started pulling for Lee in '97 when I first got the Golf Channel. I loved his game and specifically his killer instinct when leading. I was disappointed last year when Lee was unable to play the Memorial here in my home town. I enjoyed following him here in '03 & also followed him around Firestone in '04. I chatted up Lee's caddie and he was nice enough to give me 3 of Lee's Titleists which are now framed and mounted. Best of all Lee had a top 10 finish. Hope to see Lee in Ohio soon.
Gary Fletcher from Southwood, Farnborough says," I think Lee could get into the top 5 in the world this year. I have followed his golf since 2000 and think now is the time for him to go for it! Good luck this year! See you at the BMW... my son has got me tickets! (Feb 2008)
Tom Richard says, "Lee actually looks like he enjoys playing the game. I had the opportunity to follow him for a couple of rounds at the Dubai Desert Classic, and it was the most fun I've had on a golf course short of playing! I was impressed not only with his game, but his treatment to the fans that followed him. A truly genuine nice guy!" (Feb 2008)
This is a good one from Muriel Wesley of Heathrow CC in the US who says, " I met Lee through a friend of mine who works for the Golf channel, this past week during the Bayhill Classic in Orlando, Fl. I have to say, being "naive" to the golf world I asked Lee if he was one of the caddies . He was so amused & humbled by it, I had to go & watch him play. My first time at a golf tournament was so enjoyable just to watch him . What a great player and a class act gentlemen. Lee--I told you you would win Bayhill, you played like a true winner. Not bad for a caddie. Cheers!"
Bill Fenton from Scarborough, North Cliff (UK) says, I was a member at Worksop 1968 to 1971, I have followed Lee all the way, hoping one day to see his first major. Good luck in the Irish Open. I am now 81 years old so don't be too long! Bill.
St Jude's - not just a special day for Lee...
Lee was proud to win the title at St Jude Classic in June, but the day was also a happy one for young Ethan Washburn...PGA Tour Charities September 17, 2010
By The Washburn Family
Editor’s Note: The family of Ethan Washburn, a St. Jude Hospital patient, wrote the following note about their experience with 2010 St. Jude Classic presented by Smith & Nephew champion Lee Westwood.
Long story short, the St. Jude Classic this year took on a whole new meaning to us this year with Ethan’s diagnosis. One thing that we have not talked about much is that the tournament was near the time of Cooper and Ethan’s birthday (twins). Due to Ethan’s diagnosis, he and Cooper were not able to have our usual party this year, which was terribly sad for Missy and me. Cooper and Ethan’s ability to be at the golf tournament during that time was a great help in getting through that birthday. Another plus was getting to meet, among others, Lee Westwood. Luckily, Ethan was paired with Lee to caddie for him during the pro-am and we were very impressed with the time and attention Ethan was given.
Further, on Sunday after winning the tournament, instead of going inside to get some much needed shade and cool air, Lee chose to sit on a plain folding chair with the St. Jude kids there for the trophy presentation. To top it off, he gave Ethan the golf ball he used to win the tournament. I do not know if that was because he remembered Ethan or it was just coincidental, but, regardless, it brought a huge smile to Ethan’s face, which seems to mean a little more these days. While these things may seem trivial to most, and perhaps even to us prior to Ethan’s diagnosis, we just wanted to be sure that Lee Westwood understood what his kindness meant to Ethan and his family.
While Lee Westwood stood out to us, that is not to say that the other players at the tournament were not as giving with their time. From the putt-around at the hospital to the endless autographs, the players did a lot that day during that tournament for a lot of people just like us and for that we are grateful. I can honestly say there was not one player interaction that week that was anything less than pleasant. Thanks for all that the PGA TOUR and its players do during the course of its season to stop and care for others—especially for the continued work that benefits St. Jude, Ethan and all of the kids and families that St. Jude heals on a daily basis.