‘Life-saver’ Westwood chasing a treble at Malaysian Open

Defending Malaysian Open champion, Lee Westwood of England, finished joint ninth
at the Dubai Desert Classic golf championship last week. - EPA

KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Westwood began the year by stealing the headlines.

No, it wasn’t for his golfing prowess. Rather, it was for an act of bravery.

The former world No. 1 was in the news after rescuing British millionaire Colin Davies, who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, from drowning while vacationing in Barbados on Jan 16.

The Briton’s heroic act even led to him being compared to American actor David Hasselhoff, who played lifeguard Mitch Buchannon in the 80s popular series “Baywatch”.

But the 41-year-old Westwood, who is here to defend his Maybank Malaysian Open crown at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) beginning Thursday, insists that he is no hero for his deeds in the Caribbean Island.

“Those stories ... they’re exaggerated. The gentleman, unfortunately suffering from Parkison’s (disease) was struggling in the sea and I helped him out,” said Westwood.

“There was nothing like swimming through shark-invested waters or killer jellyfish. “I was just happy to help out. I believe anyone else would have done the same.”

After the well-deserved break, Westwood returned to action last week and finished joint ninth at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The 23-time European Tour winner can’t wait to get going in the US$3mil (RM10.9mil) event this week, especially with the prospect of a record-equalling third Malaysian Open title in his sights.

Westwood, who romped to a seven-shot victory at the KLGCC for his second Malaysian Open title last year, will be counting on his familiarity of the course to join Australian Terry Gale as the only ones to have won the crown three times.

Gale won the Malaysian Open in 1983, 1985 and 1987.

“The way I played here last year and to win by seven (shots) was very gratifying,” said Westwood, who won his maiden Malaysian Open title in 1997 – at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.

“It’s nice to be back. I was here just before Christmas for a PGA Tour event, so I feel like I’m really getting to know the golf course very well. I feel like a member (here)!

“You can even be a bit aggressive when you know a course really well. “I’m feeling good about my game after last week. A top-10 finish in the first tournament of the year is pretty good.”

-thestar online.