Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke Go Separate Ways at Austrian Open
Westwood’s Strong Start
In the first round of the Austrian Open, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke, who were unbeaten as Ryder Cup partners last year, took different paths. Westwood shot a five-under-par 66, expressing some frustration with missed opportunities despite a solid round.
Clarke’s Struggles Continue
On the other hand, Clarke carded a two-over-par 73, continuing his recent struggles on tour. The former European number one has been battling poor form and high putt counts in recent tournaments.
Westwood’s Recent Form
Westwood has been enjoying a resurgence in form since changing putters after the Andalucia Open in April. He secured his first European Tour title in almost four years and has been consistently performing well in subsequent events.
Challenges Faced by Clarke
Clarke, however, has faced challenges with his game and confidence. He admitted to struggling with putting and overall performance on the course.
Mixed Emotions for Westwood
Despite shooting a 66, Westwood was disappointed with missed opportunities throughout his round. He highlighted several instances where he could have scored better but fell short due to various factors.
Spectator Distractions
Westwood also expressed frustration with the large number of cameras carried by spectators during the round. The distractions affected not only him but also other players in the field.
while Westwood showed promise with his strong start at the Austrian Open, Clarke faces an uphill battle to regain form and confidence on tour. The contrasting fortunes of these two seasoned pros highlight the unpredictable nature of professional golf.