CNN
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For better or worse, for the rich or poor, for birdies or bogeys: Lee Westwood and his wife Helen live the dreams of all golf couples in the open championship.
The former world No. 1 got off to an impressive start with the 153rd edition of the sport’s oldest tournament held at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland on Thursday, when his spouse cadded every step of the 2-under 69 opening round on the rain-wet dunluce link course.
While it may be seen as unconventional, but not unheard of for most players – Westwood never again thought about his choice in the bag for his 90th major appearance.
“I want to caddy for me as much as possible for her,” the 52-year-old told reporters two shots from the lead when he returned to the clubhouse.
“It was an easy decision for me. It’s probably difficult for her. She wants to ride a horse and stay home.”
The on-course partnership began in 2018, the duo explained earlier this month on the “The Therapy Crouch” podcast.
“I knew I could handle the weight of the bag and what you had, but I didn’t have any bloody cues on what I was doing,” Helen said.
However, it was an immediate rewarding move, with Westwood claiming his 24th European Tour victory in his third tournament. When the two got married in Las Vegas in 2021, their “honeymoon” the following week was challenged by the US opening in San Diego.
Technical decisions on the course, such as clubs and shot selection, start with seven Ryder Cup champions, but mental issues often rest on the shoulders of the caddy.
“Sometimes, when I kick off and have a little moan and cry, she looks at me and says, ‘Are you done?'” Westwood said.
“He’s in a beautiful place where he’s doing something he loves. I’m like, ‘Growing up, working on it,'” added Helen.
A favorite of world number one Scotty Scheffler and home hero Rory McIlroy, and in a star-studded field, Westwood arrived as a bookmaker and a 500/1 long shot, as the opening returned to the Royal Portrush for the third time, but can be captivated since the venue last played the host on the Courseway Coast.
The Nottinghamshire-born golfer finished his fourth in 2019 and Helen was in his bag again.
It serves as hopes to ensure that you never win majors in his latest bids as one of the most talented players without unwanted tags. His best finish of nine top 10 finishes, albeit seven shots, came in at the open in 2010, a year after which he struggled to make the tournament playoffs on one stroke.
“I love the Open Championship and I love Portrush,” Westwood said Thursday.
“It’s one of the golf courses and if it wasn’t open and someone said, ‘Do you want to have Portrush this weekend?” I’d probably go.
Westwood’s 28th open start was his first mark since 2022, and in the same year he left the PGA Tour to participate in LIV golf. He was competing in the Dallas event at the BreakAway Circuit just two days before stamping tickets for the Royal Portrush at the final qualifying event earlier this month.
He held the early lead with four under par with Danish Jacobskov Olesen and China’s Lee Hatchon, following a fourth birdie in the opening round on hole 12.
“Golf more than any other golf gives you a chance when you’re our age,” Westwood said. “The ball has a little more running. You need to use the conditions.”
“You can’t beat the senior names on Thursday… If you’re there on Sunday, I’ll talk again,” he added.
