• European Tour

Westwood feeling no pressure despite Kaymer threat

ESPN staff
December 1, 2010
Lee Westwood became world No. 1 in October © Getty Images
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Lee Westwood claims that he is not under any extra pressure to succeed after inheriting the world No. 1 spot from Tiger Woods in October.

The 37-year-old Englishman, who tees it up at the Nedbank Golf Challenge this week, insists that he is not feeling a heavy burden - despite being at risk of losing top spot to Martin Kaymer or Woods.

Since becoming world No. 1, Westwood has staunchly defended his position with a series of impressive finishes - 11th, second and third - and he is confident that the fine run is set to continue.

"[There's] no pressure, really," Westwood said. "Being the No. 1 in the world comes as a consequence of playing well, so if you think playing well's going to create more pressure then you're probably doing the wrong job."

Despite his successes this year - as well as overtaking Woods, he was part of the victorious Ryder Cup team at Celtic Manor - the 37-year-old has only described his injury-blighted season as "decent".

"I've had a decent year, it's been a little bit stop-start really, the second half of the year," Westwood said. "It was a little bit disappointing to get an injury when I was doing so well in June [a leg injury ruled him out of the US PGA Championship].

"But having said that, when I've played, since the Open, I played three stroke-play events, I finished 11th in the Dunhill, second in China and third last week in Dubai so I'm presently happy with the way things are going."

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