WESTWOOD'S GRIT - July 2nd, 2025

On July 2nd, 2025, we break down Lee Westwood's dramatic qualification for The Open, the high stakes at the John Deere Classic, and the tight LPGA Player of the Year race.THE OPEN FINAL QUALIFYINGA jet-lagged Lee Westwood, 52, battles the elements and fatigue to win medalist honors at Dundonald Links, punching his ticket back to Royal Portrush for what he calls "the greatest tournament on the golfing calendar."Westwood, who was up since "half past one this morning," fired rounds of 70 and 67 to secure his spot.The triumph was contrasted by heartbreak for others, including Sam Horsfield's bizarre DQ and the failed bids of the Poulters and Portrush native Graeme McDowell.JOHN DEERE'S LAST CHANCE SALOONWith The Open's final spots being filled from the OWGR reserve list after this week, the John Deere Classic has unintentionally become the final battleground for players on the bubble hoping to earn a trip to Portrush.Keep an eye on players like Bud Cauley (OWGR No. 59) and Ryan Gerard (OWGR No. 71) who need a big week to climb the list.The tournament's outcome will directly finalize the field for golf's oldest major, adding a layer of unseen drama to every shot.LPGA'S WIDE-OPEN POY RACEUnprecedented parity on the LPGA Tour has created a thrilling Player of the Year race, with Mao Saigo holding a razor-thin lead over Minjee Lee and Jeeno Thitikul heading into the season's second half.The tour has seen a record 17 different winners in its first 17 events this season.Pre-season favorite Nelly Korda finds herself in an unfamiliar 11th place, needing a strong summer surge to get back in the conversation.Quick HitsSam Horsfield's bizarre DQ • LIV's Burmester & Herbert get in • Ian & Luke Poulter's failed bid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.