Lee Westwood beats Sergio Garcia in Hero Challenge at Close House
Written by News on 27/09/2017
Tournament host Lee Westwood became the third winner of the Hero Challenge after defeating Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia in the final ahead of the British Masters.
Thousands of fans packed around a specially constructed 120-yard par three on Close House’s 18th hole, where Westwood emerged as the champion from the eight-man field.
Westwood saw off Ross Fisher and Martin Kaymer to set up a meeting with the Spaniard, who beat compatriot Miguel Angel Jimenez and Bernd Wiesberger on his way to the final.
Both players found the green off the tee and posted two-putt pars, only for Westwood to prevail by pitching closest in the nearest-the-pin shootout.
"It’s a great way to kick off the tournament," said Westwood. "It’s different and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t expect to win, I have to admit, but it is a great start to the week and it was good fun playing against Sergio in the final."
Wiesberger despatched Danny Willett in the quarter finals after holing his pitch shot in the play-off, as Jimenez lost to Garcia after failing to get up-and-down from off the green to save par.
Kaymer rolled in a six-foot birdie to defeat Matt Fitzpatrick, while Westwood holed a 20-footer to match Fisher’s gain before defeating him in a nearest-the-pin shootout.
Garcia required a shootout to see off Wiesberger, with Westwood defeating Kaymer by the same method to set up the high-profile final.
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler disappointed the home crowd by winning the nearest-the-pin celebrity contest, firing his tee shot to the front of the green and within 15 feet of the flag.
Cricketer Stuart Broad and BBC TV presenter Dan Walker both found the dance floor but were further away from the pin, as Geordie Shore star Gaz Beadle almost took out Garcia as he pulled his tee shot way left.
Watch the British Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Wednesday with the masterclass at 3pm.
(c) Sky News 2017: Lee Westwood beats Sergio Garcia in Hero Challenge at Close House
