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LEE Westwood displayed all his class and experience on Sunday as he brushed aside a challenge from Masters champion Charl Schwartzel to win the $1 million Thailand Golf Championship by seven strokes.
The emphatic victory at the Amata Spring Country Club, Westwood’s fourth of the season, moved him up to world number two, replacing Rory McIlroy.
The Englishman had played fine golf all week, including a stunning 12-under-par 60 in the first round. He shot 69 in his final round to finish the tournament on 266, an impressive 22 under par, for his third win in Asia this season.
Schwartzel fought hard and briefly threatened the leader, but the South African had to settle for the runner-up spot after shooting an even-par 72.
Little-known American Michael Thompson performed well with a 70 to finish in third place, one shot back, while in joint fourth place two strokes further behind were Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol and Simon Dyson of England.
“I’m obviously delighted,” said Westwood on his victory. “The first two days were probably the best I’ve ever played. I’ve never had an 11-shot lead after two rounds before.”
Although Westwood’s fourth-round score did not match the 60 and 64 of his first two days, he was still very satisfied with it. “I thought 69 was a good score. I putted great on the back nine.”
Westwood felt the turning point was at the 12th when he sunk a birdie after Schwartzel had also birdied and looked like he might close to within two shots.
“Fortunately I holed it. That was an important putt,” he said. He was understandably upbeat about the next season. “I’m a better player than one year ago and I’m managing my game better too,” he said.
