Limelight too bright for Lee

Jul 20 2008 By Euan Mclean

LEE WESTWOOD has blamed his Open flop on a failure to cope with the pressure of being a home favourite.

The Englishman was hotly tipped by the bookies to lead a British challenge for the Claret Jug at Birkdale.

He was in impressive form when he came agonisingly close with his third-placed finish at the US Open last month.

But Westwood admits his hopes were blown away after just four holes on Thursday and reckons he'll have to learn to cope with the extra demands that come with being a top contender.

He groaned: "At the US Open I went in with no expectations and kept my preparations low-key.

"But this week that just wasn't possible.

"There is so much going on, especially for an English player. I have been unable to stay out the limelight.

"There's too much to do to concentrate solely on golf.

"That's part of the reason why British players don't do better - but I can manage it with more care in the future.

"I can't escape the attention, look at me now, I'm talking to 20 people and I'm miles behind.

"I have to learn to deal with things better than I have done this week."

Westwood's misery continued yesterday with a sorry 78 that takes his tally for the week to a painful 17-over par.

He said: "After spending a couple of hours on the putting green last night it wasn't the ideal way to start the day by putting for a double bogey.

"I wasn't full of vigour and excitement for the next 18 holes. It seemed like a long way round after that."