As the 2025 golf season reached its climax with The Open Championship at Royal Portrush, Lee Westwood, once a stalwart of major leaderboards, was again a notable absentee. The English veteran's focus remains firmly on the LIV Golf League, where he continues to captain the Majesticks GC team, a decision that has reshaped the twilight of his storied career.
Westwood, who has not competed in a major championship this year, has seen his access to golf's four biggest events dwindle due to the lack of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points available on the LIV tour. Rather than attempting the grueling 36-hole Final Qualifying for The Open, Westwood chose to focus on his commitments with LIV.
His most recent performance came at the LIV Golf Andalusia event, where he posted a respectable top-20 finish, helping his Majesticks GC team to a mid-table result. While he remains a consistent performer, Westwood has acknowledged his role is transitioning more towards that of a mentor and captain alongside his long-time Ryder Cup partners Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson.
With the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black looming in September, Westwood's absence from the European setup remains a significant topic. A veteran of 11 Ryder Cups, his experience is something many pundits feel Team Europe will miss. In recent interviews, Westwood has expressed a mix of nostalgia for the event and resolve in his decision to join LIV, stating he knew the potential consequences.
"You miss the atmosphere, of course," Westwood was quoted as saying earlier this month. "But I made a decision for my family and my career at this stage. I'm enjoying the team format we have week in, week out. I'll be cheering the lads on from home."
As the golf world continues to navigate the fractured landscape, Lee Westwood remains a central figure from the generation of players whose career paths have been irrevocably altered by the sport's new era. His season continues with the LIV Golf tour, with the next event scheduled for early August.
