Lee Westwood has successfully qualified for The Open at Royal Portrush, marking his first major tournament appearance since joining the Saudi-funded LIV Golf three years ago. This significant achievement was secured through his performance at the Final Regional Qualifying held at Dundonald Links, where he shot rounds of 70 and 67 to finish at 7-under 137.

Westwood, a seasoned golfer with 25 titles on the European tour and three Order of Merit titles, expressed his enthusiasm about returning to one of golf's most prestigious championships. "I've always said it's the greatest championship in golf and as a British player you get phenomenal support," Westwood remarked. He is looking forward to the event scheduled from July 17-20 at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, a venue where Shane Lowry claimed victory in 2019.

The qualifying event was intense, with Westwood among 20 players who earned their spots through competitions held over four courses in England and Scotland. Notably, Richard Teder made history by becoming the first Estonian to compete in The Open, securing his place after a dramatic playoff. Other LIV Golf players, including Lucas Herbert and Dean Burmester, also qualified, showcasing the depth of talent across the board.

This return to The Open is particularly poignant for Westwood, who has been a prominent figure in golf, having reached the world No. 1 ranking in late 2010. Despite a career marked by near-misses in major championships, his resilience and skill continue to make him a formidable competitor on the golf course.