Only six European players have been unbeaten in all five matches in The Ryder Cup, Westwood and Sergio Garcia joining José Maria Olazábal in 1989, Seve Ballesteros in 1991, Ian Woosnam in 1993 and Colin Montgomerie, who achieved the feat in 2002, in that elite group after claiming 4 1/2 points of a possible five in The 35th Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills in 2004.

After two years out of the limelight Lee Westwood won twice in 2003 and although he has narrowly missed out on adding to his impressive tally of victories in 2006 he continues to be a major force on the world stage, as demonstrated with his joint second in the Deutsche Bank Players’ Championship of Europe and joint fourth in the Smurfit Kappa European Open at The K Club, two of the most prestigious events of the season. Ruled Europe in 2000 when six victories in the year saw him equal the record set by Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie and eventually end Montgomerie’s seven year tenure at the top of the Order of Merit.

Started the 2000 season in style with victory in South Africa which meant he had won a tournament on every continent – Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe and America. Married Laurae Coltart, sister of another Ryder Cup player, Andrew, in January 1999. Took up game aged 13 with a half set bought by grandparents. Maths teacher father, John, took up game at same time to give his son encouragement.

Talented sportsman at school, played rugby, cricket and soccer. Supports Nottingham Forest FC.