Lee Westwood

Who’s born on 24 April 1973 and is on top of his game these days?

Got you. It’s not Sachin Tendulkar, but Lee Westwood. The Englishman became the world’s No 1 golfer on 31 October, ending the 281-week reign of Tiger Woods.

British sport, often ridiculed for not producing world-beaters, now has one more player among the very best, the others being Formula One world champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.  

Westwood comes from Worsop in the UK. He is a married guy with two kids. Apart from golf, he likes films, snooker and football. He has won 32 professional titles.

There is some sobering fine print in Westwood’s ascent. There is no major title in his kitty yet. Two, he could lose the No1 ranking anytime. Phil Mickelson, Martin Kaymer and Tiger himself could be on top the next time the rankings are updated. But Westwood has certified class and fighting spirit. He has risen to No 1 after being out of the top-200 at one point. At the Masters and British Open this year, he finished second. So experts reckon he is capable of holding on to his perch and also winning a major.

Tiger thinks Westwood is a deserving No 1.

“Look how well he’s finished in the major championships,” Tiger told BBC Radio 5. “Lee’s been by far the most consistent of all players in the majors over the last two years. You don’t necessarily have to win. It helps, but if you’re finishing in the top three or four at a major championship, you’re racking up so many points...”

And how are things between him and Tiger? “ We have mutual respect and have always got on well, on and off the course,” says Westwood. “I give him a little bit of stick and he gives me a little.”