An OBE for our Lee. . .

The world number three received the honour for his services to golf from the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, watched by his family.

This latest honour came just days after Bassetlaw District Council made him an Honorary Freeman of Bassetlaw for his significant contribution to the community.

The 38-year-old has won 37 career titles and held the world number one ranking for 22 weeks - but said that none of those highs could quite match his meeting the Queen.

“You don’t imagine when you start playing the sport you love, that you will end up receiving an award for it. It’s amazing really,” said Lee.

A professional golfer for almost 20 years, Lee Westwood is one of only a handful of golfers to have won tournaments on every continent.

And it was about his travelling the globe that the Queen chose to talk to him about.

“The Queen spoke to me about travelling, where I’ve been recently and where I’m going,” Lee continued.

“I’m sure I don’t do as much travelling as she does though. I’ve played golf with Prince Andrew before, so perhaps the Queen has an interest.”

“I would have preferred to speak to her about horse racing though, but I didn’t have the chance.”

Usually calm and collected on the golf course, Lee found the prospect of meeting the Monarch to be a different matter.

“I must admit I did get sweaty palms inside there waiting for my turn,” he added.

“It’s nothing like being on the golf course when you’re in a comfort zone - it was a nerve-wracking experience.”

“But I’m full of admiration for the Royal Family and what they do for this country so that’s probably why I was nervous.”

There was no time for Lee to sit back and reflect on his success as he jetted off to the USA to play at the Accenture Match Play in Arizona, before turning his thoughts to the US Masters in April.