* Lee Westwood

Nationality: England
Birthplace: Worksop, England
Turned Pro: 1993 (plus 4)
Birthday: 24/04/1973

 Set a Ryder Cup record at Valhalla in 2008 when he took his unbeaten run to 12 matches on the opening day to equal Arnold Palmer’s benchmark. A loss in the middle day brought his superb run to a halt after completing the 2004 and 2006 Ryder Cups without tasting defeat. In 2006, he had further embellished an already impressive Ryder Cup record when, as one of Captain Ian Woosnam’s wild card selections, he delivered four points out of five at The K Club to add to his four and a half points out of five at Oakland Hills two years earlier. In stroke play, another remarkably consistent season saw him record 13 top ten finishes, including runner up on four occasions and a notable third at the US Open Championship, en route to finishing third in the Order of Merit. Had won twice in 2007, in the Open de Andalucia and The Quinn Direct British Masters, to draw level with Mark James as the second most prolific English winner in European Tour history, both having won on 18 occasions. Ruled Europe in 2000 when six victories in the year saw him equal the record set by Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie to eventually end Montgomerie’s seven year tenure at the top of the Order of Merit. Married Laurae Coltart, sister of another Ryder Cup player, Andrew, in January 1999. Talented sportsman at school, played rugby, cricket and soccer. Is a loyal supporter of Nottingham Forest FC.

The qualification criteria of 2009 can be downloaded here

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