Westwood back in Dubai

Lee Westwood is back in Dubai, the scene of one of his greatest triumphs, for this week’s European Tour finale, the DP World Tour Championship.

In 2009 he won the Dubai World Championship, which also brought with it the inaugural Race to Dubai title.

The Worksop golfer said: “Dubai is a special place for me.”

“I’ve had a bit of success here and it’s great to be back for the DP World Tour Championship.”

The 40-year-old will hope to finish higher up the leaderboard than at last week’s Turkish Airlines Open, at The Montgomerie Maxx Royal.

Westwood teed off with Ryder Cup team-mate Ian Poulter and Italian Matteo Manassero, shooting a two-under par 70.

In round two he put together a string of birdies on the back nine to go six under.

But he was one over on Saturday, and sat in 39th position going into the final round.

A fine round of 67, including an eagle at 18, saw him end the tournament on 12 under par, sharing 29th place.

“It was a fantastic week in Turkey - great course and amazing hotel. Thanks Turkish Airlines”, Lee tweeted later.