A win for Westwood would have "long term effect" on Worksop
By Stephanie Bartup, Midlands Correspondent
A victory for Worksop-born Lee Westwood at the 2011 Masters Golf Tournament this weekend could create “an incredible season” for Worksop Golf Club. That’s according to the club’s manager, Gary Bardill, who spoke to Insider. He said victory for the golfer nicknamed the "Worksop Wizard" would mean “a huge uplift” for the region and a possible boost in tourism.
World number two Westwood, who still plays at the local club with his parents, hopes to win the US tournament, held at Augusta National, and earn the right to don the green jacket awarded to the champion. He will be aiming to go one better than last year when he was runner-up to Phil Mickelson.
Bardill said: “We saw membership and interest in the club rise when Lee was named as the world’s number one. A local man playing at world-class level will always generate attention.
"His association with the club has definitely had a positive effect for years – we’re the only local club which he endorses – as soon as you go on our website there’s a picture of him. We’re right behind him all the way.”
He added that Westwood stored several pieces of memorabilia at the Golf Club, which is located on Windmill Lane.
“We have items from Lee from the Ryder Cup and other major tournament – it’s what people want to come in and see. Add to that a trophy from The Masters, and public interest would go through the roof.
“If he wins, it will definitely have a long term effect on the club – a run on effect for many years.”
Bardill said that during last year’s Masters event, the club gained a lot of publicity – but not as much as it would have done had Westwood secured a victory.
“We would be overrun with interest, no doubt – it’s a really exciting time for everyone, especially as we know how much Lee wants to win the title.”
Photograph by Brian Brake
