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Honda Classic: Westwood’s Florida Magic Runs Out

By Dalton Finkbeiner

Mar 14, 2021; Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA; Lee Westwood reacts to his putt on the third green during the final round of The Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass - Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2021; Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA; Lee Westwood reacts to his putt on the third green during the final round of The Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass - Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lee Westwood’s magical run in Florida came to screeching halt in the second round of the Honda Classic on Friday morning. After posting an ever par round of 72 in round one, the 48-year old carded an 8-over 78 in the second round, missing the cut for the first time in 2021.

Starting on the back nine, his troubles began after he carded a double-bogey six on the 11th hole. He would finish his first nine holes three-over par. On the back nine, things did not get much better for the Englishman. After a bogey on the 3rd hole, Westwood had more trouble waiting for him on the 4th hole.

Westwood posted a 40 on the back nine, finishing the round with a score of 78. It was his worst round in a PGA Tour event since he posted a 79 in the WGC-Cadillac Championship in 2014.

The poor round marks the end of a magical run in the sunshine state for Westwood. In consecutive weeks, he finished 2nd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and at the Players Championship. Westwood entered the Florida swing as the 39th ranked player in the world, he is now up to 19th in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Although the high finishes are a surprise to most golf fans, Westwood was coming off a strong 2020 season. He opened last year with a win at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. He held off Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Victor Perez to secure a 2 shot victory. The experienced pro was consistent all season, leading to his 3rd career Race to Dubai victory. The win in 2020 made his the oldest Race to Dubai winner at 47 years old.

The string of strong finishes almost guarantees Westwood will tee if up for Team Europe at Whistling Straits in the fall. If he makes the squad, it would be Westwood’s 11th Ryder Cup appearance. Currently, he would qualify for the team on points, he is 4th on the World points list.

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