Westwood moving to America.

[richy]

As the title says, Lee has decided to move to America at the end of the year. I think he states the reason as it'll be easier to practise.

Probably thinks it will increase his chances of winning a big one.

What do people think?

 

[OldMate]

Assume that means he will also be more or less fulltime on the US tour?

 

[pbrown7582]

A big step and something he was always against being more than content in Worksop obviously though he feels it can help take the final step from top 5/10 in majors to actually bagging one.

 

[GB72]

Makes sense, whilst there are 3 Majors in the US it makes sense to be playing and living in the US to get more practice to win one.

 

[bobmac]

He'll miss the fantastic British summ.............oh no, never mind. Can't blame him.

 

[Oddsocks]

He'll miss the fantastic British summ.............oh no, never mind. Can't blame him.

Exactly , Chase the big money while he's in the top 5

 

[GB72]

Anyone else feel that the European Tour is at a bit of a crossroads. The Tour is spreading the popularity of golf by taking events around the world and is producing some of the best golfers in the World and they are all heading off to the PGA. The European Tour needs to start doing something to keep the best playing in Europe.

 

[Oddsocks]

It's like most sports.... The big money is stateside, why work for thousands when you can work for tens of thousands

 

[GB72]

It's like most sports.... The big money is stateside, why work for thousands when you can work for tens of thousands

Totally agree, not blaming the golfers at all for going where the money is and to where the conditions provide the best practice for 3 out of 4 majors. What I am saying is that if the European Tour wants to produce a product that people want to see then it needs to keep its star attractions or it will become a meaningless feeder tour for the PGA. How many events actually atract the best of european golfers, let alone the americans, the big money events in Dubai, the BMW and the events before the Open.

 

[chris661]

I really feel it will be a mistake for him and I think McIlroy made a mistake heading over there too early. I understand the arguments about money but surely winning tournaments will bring its own money?

 

[GB72]

I really feel it will be a mistake for him and I think McIlroy made a mistake heading over there too early. I understand the arguments about money but surely winning tournaments will bring its own money?

Thing is who wants to win in front of one man and his dog on the european tour. I swear that there are more press and TV than spectators at some european tour events. All this but there are next to know events in England, Scotland and Ireland where a reasonable field will attract a full house.

 

[chris661]

It all depends what they want out of golf. If it is to get rich then America is the answer. I remember hearing one of the commentators saying that 15 years ago you talked of how many wins you had, now its how many top tens maybe in another 10 years it will be how many cuts you made.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Think you'll find Westwood is more than comfortable so it isn't about chasing the dollar. Interesting though as I thought Westwood had a youngish family including one at school age. Big upheaval. Think from a golfing perspective it makes perfect sense

 

[chrisd]

He said that his children are at an age where they are moving to secondary education so its a good time to make the move.

 

[JustOne]

The European Tour needs to learn it's lesson. All the time it's having comps in Madiera and Sicily with 'crowds' of about 50 people it is a) doing nothing for the game b) doing nothing for the players c) doing nothing for the 'business' that is the European Tour d) doing nothing for the VIEWERS. You need to go where the numbers are for the MAJORITY of events. Certainly more than just one event at Wentworth every year. If the Tour hosts DECENT events it will generate more revenue and be able to pay bigger prize money and attract stronger fields.

 

[SocketRocket]

I wish him well. He is a nice guy and the change will probably be good for him and his family.

 

[Bucket92]

They need to bring back an English Open, The British Masters and The European Open in my view!

 

[Khamelion]

Is it not the reason the European tour goes to places like Madiera and Sicily, because the weather is nigh on gauranteed to be warm dry and sunny, where as, the wonderful UK summer is swelteringly hot one day and the next it's persisting down and 10 degrees colder.

Okay, some may say that indecisive weather adds to the skill required of the golfer, but if its the crowds that need to come in, who bar the dyed in the wool golf fan wants to stand getting wet and cold for several hours.

An back on subject, who as a pro or elite amateur would decide to practice in the cold and wet, day on day, when the next competition or several competitions to be played are going to be hot and dry?

I dare say due to the last comment, it will be pointed out that Darren Clarke practices in the cold and wet, but then is that not because the comps he plays have a chance to be played in the same conditions.

 

[seochris]

Its a good move for him and the family but i think its about 5 years too late.....i think he's left it a bit late!

Still all the best to him and will still be backing him for a major.

 

[triple_bogey]

Thing is who wants to win in front of one man and his dog on the european tour. I swear that there are more press and TV than spectators at some european tour events. All this but there are next to know events in England, Scotland and Ireland where a reasonable field will attract a full house.

Lol, you notice that too.

Why is that though? ...........Is golf in Europe still looked at as an elitist pompous up-tight out-dated pasttime? Whereas the PGA, the US actually treat golf as what it is? A spectators sport! Even the weak tournaments have great crowds.