Westwood out to end major drought

Having finished third at The Open at Muirfield last month, the 40-year-old holds the record for the most top three finishes in majors without a win – he has eight to his name.

He warmed up for this weekend’s major at Oak Hill, the last of the year, with a share of 40th at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, at Firestone CC.

In a consistent if not spectacular weekend, Westwood shot three rounds of 71 and a final round of 72 on Sunday to finish five over par.

His playing partner Webb Simpson took the lead on day one with a round of 64.

And in tough conditions it was Tiger Woods who streaked ahead on Friday shooting a remarkable 61 to move seven shots clear of the field.

Westwood played alongside Nic Colsaerts and Peter Hanson on Saturday and shot his third 71 in a row, before the two over par round on Sunday alongside Graeme McDowell.