In-form Westwood confirmed for Irish Open

US MASTERS runner-up Lee Westwood is to play at the 3 Irish Open in Killarney (July 29 to August 1).

Westwood, fourth in the world rankings, has happy memories of his time on Irish soil after winning back-to-back European Open titles at The K Club (1999 and 2000) and was undefeated as part of Ian Woosnam’s victorious European Ryder Cup team at the same venue in 2006, contributing four points.

Westwood bids to follow in the footsteps of fellow Englishman Nick Faldo, who won the Irish Open on the previous occasions it was held at Killarney, in 1991 and 1992.

Westwood, who turns 37 on April 24, produced one of the best performances of his career to win the Dubai World Championship last November and seal his place as Europe’s number one for the second time. He has carried that form into the 2010 season, finishing runner up in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic before a superb display at Augusta National to finish second behind Phil Mickelson.

Westwood’s appearance in the 3 Irish Open – which has a prize fund of €3 million – could play an important role in his defence of his Race to Dubai crown.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed playing in Ireland and have done well there over the years so I’m optimistic about my chances of more success in the 3 Irish Open. I’m in great form and playing some of the best golf of my career so hopefully that will continue throughout the remainder of the season. I’ve won the European Open and obviously the Ryder Cup in Ireland so it would be fantastic to add Ireland’s national open to that list. Hopefully with the Bank Holiday slot we will attract a large crowd at Killarney.”

Westwood was in contention in the 3 Irish Open last year after opening with a 68 and then a 66 but had to eventually settle for a share of 30th place after weekend rounds of 77 and 74 as Irishman Shane Lowry – then an amateur – took the title in spectacular fashion.