Consistent Westwood deserves number one spot - Oosthuizen

Lee Westwood’s consistency and endeavour will make him a worthy world number one even though he has never won a Major, British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen said.

The Englishman is in line to end Tiger Woods’s long reign at the top of the rankings on October 31, barring a late dash from in-form German Martin Kaymer.

Westwood would become the first player since 1999, and only the third since the rankings were introduced in 1986, to reach the golfing summit without having won one of the sport’s top prizes.

“Being world number one without winning a Major just shows you how well you are playing,” Oosthuizen told reporters.

“It is all about consistency. I always think it is better to play every week and be in contention than to play six or seven weeks and win one.

“I would rather be a player who is always up there and having a chance to win events and he is doing just that.

“It is amazing the way he has played and I believe he will win one. Being number one without winning a Major will give him more confidence,” added Oosthuizen, speaking at an event on Friday to announce HSBC as patrons of The Open Championship for the next five years.

Of the 12 men who have held the top spot, only Fred Couples and David Duval had not won a major at the time, although both went on to win later in their careers.

The millstone of never having won a Major victory was lifted from Oosthuizen’s shoulders when he triumphed at St Andrews in July.

With the famous Claret Jug perched in front of him as he looked out from the bank’s headquarters across the London skyline, the South African said he was looking forward to combining his European schedule with the demands of the PGA Tour.

“The PGA Tour has been a big dream of mine since I was a kid and I want to go over there and give myself a chance and see how I like it.

“I feel if I play a bit more, I will get a better idea of where I will be playing in the future.”

The 27-year-old will not, however, be turning his back on Europe.

“The European Tour is getting stronger and stronger,” he added.

“On October 31st, Lee will be number one and Kaymer might be two so the European Tour is getting so strong that it is more a matter of where you like to play.”