Classic win a major boost for Westwood

LEE Westwood hopes his St Jude Classic triumph will prove to be the perfect preparation for this week's US Open.

The 37-year-old claimed his first PGA Tour win for 12 years late on Sunday, beating Sweden's Robert Karlsson at the fourth hole of a sudden-death play-off in Memphis. Westwood will now attempt to go one better at the second major of the year following his runner-up finish to Phil Mickelson at the US Masters in April.

Westwood, who has already practised at Pebble Beach, said: "I like being competitive before a major championship, to be competitive at the tournament and boost my confidence.

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"Obviously, this week is a little bit draining with the temperature it gets to here but, because I've been to Pebble Beach and done most of my preparation, I can take it easy with that for the next three days and build up my fitness and stamina for when the tournaments kicks off on Thursday."

Westwood played two practice rounds at the US Open venue last week, telling his website, www.leewestwood.com: "The course was in spectacular condition. A real demand and test. It's going to be tough."

The Worksop golfer finished fifth the last time the US Open was at Pebble Beach in 2000.

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