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Westwood admits 'frustration' at putting struggles

Lee Westwood has struggled with the putter recently © Getty Images

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Lee Westwood has admitted his putting is becoming a serious source of frustration as he continues to wait to end his major hoodoo.

The Englishman, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, missed the cut at last week's Open Championship in Kent despite demonstrating his formidable ball-striking as he led the field in greens found in regulation over the first two days.

Westwood is already a multiple winner in 2011, but believes he would do better in the biggest events of all if he could find consistent form with his flatstick.

"I led the greens in regulation after two days and missed the cut, so you can put the blame firmly on my putting," Westwood told Sky Sports. "I'm not the worrying type, but it's frustrating because I know how well I'm playing.

"If I did I have a good putting week I know I'd win more regularly."

While Westwood has disappointed in the majors this year, his agent Chubby Chandler is on the verge of a unique grand slam - after his clients Charl Schwartzel, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke claimed all three of the prestigious tournaments played so far this year.

Westwood would love to complete the set by claiming the USPGA Championship next month in Atlanta, and he believes Chandler's approach has been pivotal in his players' recent triumphs.

"He manages us all very well, and really just sends us out with the mindset that we can play golf because everything else is taken care of," he noted. "I think that's why everyone in his stable is so successful."

Like Westwood, Darren Clarke has been a Chandler client for well over a decade, and the two have developed a close friendship. The 38-year-old hasn't spoken in person to the new Open champion, but revealed he hasn't needed to in order to know the Northern Irishman has been celebrating hard.

"We've been sending texts, but even over the texts you can see he's had too much to drink," he said. "He can't spell.

"Darren's a little bit fickle - it's either a missed cut or a win at the moment!"

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