Westwood well equipped for the job

Lee Westwood is confident of closing out the Omega Dubai Desert Classic with victory come today afternoon after establishing a slender overnight lead following Saturday’s play.

The 38-year-old Englishman will tee off at noon today alongside Stephen Gallacher, of Scotland, and Germany’s Marcel Siem in the final threesome, with Westwood looking to maintain his one-shot advantage over them and the buffer to those further back.

He undoubtedly will come under pressure at some stage over the final 18 holes at Emirates Golf Club here given the sheer proximity of the bunched-up chasing pack hot on his heels.

But, with a proven track record of prevailing at various different tour events around the world, Westwood believes he can hold off the competition once again like he has done many times before in the past.

“I know how to play with the lead. When I get a chance, I’m pretty good at finishing it off. I’ve won 37 times. That’s not somebody that’s not good with a lead,” the 21-time European Tour victor said.

“It’s a habit. You get used to it. You get used to knowing what to do; when to press, when not to press and when to be patient.

“I’ve put a lot of preparation in, so I’m entitled to be confident. I’ve been doing a lot of hard work off the golf course. I’m doing a lot of hard work on the range and around the greens. My short game is getting a lot sharper and – on the putting green – it’s improving dramatically and I’m working hard on that, so why not be confident?

“I’m seeing improvements in everything and my scoring is lower than it’s ever been. I’m shooting 60s and 64s and 62s around tough courses, so why not let myself get carried away by my confidence?”

alex@khaleejtimes.com