Westwood "Host Victory GO"... Kinholt Aims for 2nd Consecutive Win

'UK Swing' First Round Challenge at British Masters, Pepperell, Stone, Harding, Hend, Levy Join the Fray

Lee Westwood challenges for victory at the British Masters, the first round of the UK Swing.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The veteran Lee Westwood (England) is on a winning streak.

On the night of the 22nd (Korean time), the British Masters (total prize money 1.25 million euros) kicks off at Close House in Newcastle, England (Par 71, 6,872 yards). This is the third stage of the European Tour, which resumed after a four-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first event of the 'UK Swing.' Following this tournament, the Hero Open, England Championship, Celtic Classic, Wales Open, and UK Championship will be held consecutively in the UK for six weeks.

The biggest focus is whether host Westwood will claim victory. He is the world number one, with 25 European Tour wins and 2 PGA Tour wins. He has been the European Tour money leader twice and Player of the Year three times. After a decline following his divorce in 2015, he made a comeback by winning the Nedbank Challenge in 2018. Leading with his victory at the January 'Rolex Series Round 1' Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, he currently ranks second in the Race to Dubai standings.

He has prepared for this tournament through rest and training. Recently, he has been sharpening his competitive shot skills by playing 3 to 4 rounds per week. He aims to reclaim the top spot 13 years after winning this tournament in 2007. Westwood, who said, "I played on this course in 2017," added, "All players are going through tough times due to COVID-19. Although there are many variables such as no spectators, I will focus more to win," showing his fighting spirit.

Markus Kinholt aims for a second consecutive win at the British Masters. Photo by European Tour website

Marcus Kinhult (Sweden) is defending his title. Last year, he secured his first career victory by holding off challengers Eddie Pepperell, Matt Wallace (both England), and Robert MacIntyre (Scotland) by one stroke on this 'promised land.' Other contenders include Pepperell, Brandon Stone, Justin Harding (all South Africa), Scott Hend (Australia), and Alexander Levy (France). 'Austria Open Champion' Mark Warren (Scotland) and 'European Bank Open Champion' Joel Stalter (France) have also joined the field.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.