Westwood's rise has everybody talking -- even Alice Cooper
By Nick Dye, European Tour Insider
Alice Cooper was a guest on an English radio show on Monday to discuss his Halloween show when the conversation took an abrupt shift.
"Can I pass on my congratulations to Lee?" he asked.
OK, so we all know the rock star loves golf. But even while he was promoting his music, Lee Westwood's rise to the No. 1 player in the world was definitely on Cooper's mind -- and that's an indication of how golf is firmly in the spotlight right now.
The new top dog understands. "I think it's a lot more interesting when it's more volatile who can become world number one," Westwood said. "I think for the neutral who doesn't normally watch golf, it's captured their imagination."
And audiences should be captivated by the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in Shanghai with Westwood's new status immediately on the line as Tiger Woods aims to bounce back. It's better even than just the top two dueling, because Phil Mickelson and Martin Kaymer also cross swords there and could end the week at the head of the rankings.
For the time being, Europe will bask in the glory of Westwood's rise.
A former world No. 4, he once fell to No. 266, so it's a remarkable tale of resurrection. And there should be no question that Westwood's status is deserved regardless of his ascension at a time when struggling with injury and making few appearances. He may not have actually won a major yet, but top-three finishes in four of the last eight is an exemplary record.
As to his performance in Shanghai to maintain his new found height? "It's going to be tough," Westwood said. "I have to play well which may not be easy, because I'm bound to be rusty."
WESTWOOD KNEW OF HIS RISE to the top of the rankings when the Andalucia Masters was drawing to a close. In fact, it looked likely when Martin Kaymer was well off the pace at the halfway stage.
The young German still fancied his chances when the winds picked up over the weekend at Valderrama, but he didn't putt well enough to get anywhere near the top-two finish he'd have needed to deny Westwood and unseat Woods himself.
Still, Kaymer sent his Ryder Cup colleague a message soon after he'd finished and had nothing but praise.
"He really deserves it," the 25-year-old German said. "He's one of the greatest guys on Tour. The way we played the Ryder Cup together showed me what kind of person he is. I was more than happy that he showed me how to play, so I'm very happy for Lee."
Kaymer accepts he'll have other opportunities to get to No. 1 after this week, though it's not a particular target right now.
"I'm only four years on Tour," he said. "When people say that I'm playing like the number one in the world, it's nice to hear, but my main goal is to win the Race to Dubai."
IF KAYMER IS TO CLINCH the money list in Europe, he'll have to hold off the challenge of a determined U.S. Open champion in Graeme McDowell.
The gap between the Northern Irishman and Kaymer was more than 1 million Euros prior to the Andalucia Masters, but the margin is now only a little more than 500,000.
Spain proved to be GMac's third win of the season and the seventh of his career. He sensed winning at an iconic European venue was comparable with his win at Pebble Beach. He felt he was the "last man standing", closing out Valderrama with a similar 74 and "hanging tough" like he did at the U.S. Open.
With lucrative events to come, including the season-ending Dubai World Championship, McDowell will push Kaymer all the way to decide who is Europe's No. 1.
"I really want to put a shine on a great season," he said. "I didn't want to rest on my laurels, and just cruise to Dubai. I'm very excited to have punched a hole in Martin's lead. There's a big pot still to play for."
And who knows, he could be challenging for World No. 1 eventually. "I'm starting to move into the upper echelons, starting to believe in myself," McDowell said.
SELF-CONFIDENCE IS IMPERATIVE in golf, of course, and it's something that Soren Kjeldsen is finding once again. The Dane's a three-times winner on the European Tour, but this season has largely been forgettable.
A long-running dispute with a former manager meant Kjeldsen's mind has often been elsewhere. The problems go back to at least last December, and it's only in recent months that his form has been coming around.
"It's really just a matter of me accepting what's happened and get on with it," says the former Volvo Masters champion "it's not going to come out to my advantage in any way."
Valderrama, where he won in 2008, showed Kjeldsen still had the ability to contend. He surged up the leaderboard on Sunday for second place and his best finish of the season.
"Now to get into Dubai is really nice," Kjeldsen said. "I've been at a few low points this year, but I'm getting better at getting my mind in the right place."
THE FORMER BMW PGA CHAMPION David Howell would love to be playing the HSBC Champions once again. In 2006, he edged Tiger Woods in Shanghai to win and then went onto the claim the big title at Wentworth.
Tongue firmly in cheek. Howell reckons he's responsible for the promotion of the Chinese event to World Golf Championships status: "I like to think I made it the tournament it became."
Howell's form hasn't been good enough to earn a place in the 78-man line up for Shanghai, but he will be there "talking for a living."
He's an articulate and witty speaker, and Howell has been enjoying various TV duties, including some commentary at the Ryder Cup. He's working for the sponsors and organizers this time.
"I'm sure everyone'll get sick and tired of me talking soon, so I'm making hay while the sun shines," he said.
Nick Dye is a freelance columnist for PGATOUR.COM. His views do not necessarily represent those of the PGA TOUR.
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