Augusta Masters runner-up was close to quitting golf

LONDON - English Ryder Cup ace and Augusta Masters runner-up Lee Westwood’s father has revealed how close his son came to quitting golf eight years ago.

During the horrific slump Westwood, 36, plunged to 256th in the world rankings.

Westwood finished three shots behind winner Phil Mickelson after going into the final round with a one-shot lead.

This year’s Masters runner-up had won 25 times before he turned 30, and could not believe his form had deserted him so badly, according to his father, John.

“Lee was close to quitting. You sometimes offer up the worst case scenario when you’re down in the dumps. He simply couldn’t see a way back,” The Sun quoted John, as saying.

“But he’s made it back through sheer hard work. No one sees the three hours in the gym that have made him so much stronger and longer off the tee.

“I’m proud of him. He may not have won this time but he’ll always be a winner in my eyes for taking charge of his life and fighting back from such a low point,” John added. (ANI)