LONDON, Dec 22 ― Veteran Lee Westwood has been named European Golfer of the Year for the fourth time, over 20 years after he first won the award.

The 47-year-old Englishman rediscovered his old form in 2020,  beginning when he won the Abu Dhabi Championship in January to make him the first active golfer to win a tour event across four separate decades.

He rounded off the coronavirus-affected season by winning the Race to Dubai after finishing runner-up to Matt Fitzpatrick in the World Tour Championship earlier this month.

He was the oldest ever winner of the Race to Dubai at 47 years, seven months and 20 days.

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The one thing Westwood still lacks is a Major.

Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington said based on his form this year, Westwood could entertain dreams of playing in next year's Europe v USA contest which would be his 11th appearance.

“I am very honoured and extremely flattered to have been named European Tour Golfer of the Year as I know the competition for the award this year would have been extremely high,” said Westwood, who also won the award in 1998, 2000 and 2009.

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“Thank you to the media for voting for me and also huge congratulations again to everyone at the European Tour who did a tremendous job this year managing to put on a full international schedule under such difficult times.” ― AFP