New No 1 Westwood will not stop to enjoy view

Lee Westwood's ascension to the top of golf's world rankings has been met with the popping of corks from the 37-year-old's house on the outskirts of the Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire border town to the golf club where he laid the foundations for global domination.

"I asked him how it felt and he said he was a bit emotional," revealed his coach Pete Cowen yesterday after joining the new No 1 for a celebratory glass of bubbly on Sunday afternoon as Martin Kaymer's failure to finish in the top two at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters completed Westwood's journey from 266th in the world to the very top.

"He doesn't usually get like that."

Westwood let his guard down on Sunday. The self-imposed alcohol ban that precipitated his charge up the rankings and rededication to the game in 2003 was relaxed as the enormity of his achievement washed over him. There were also celebrations a couple of miles away at Worksop Golf Club.

"We raised a glass to Lee's achievement in the clubhouse," said Worksop captain David Beard from the course Westwood retains close links to even today.

"Who would have thought a little place like Worksop would be home to a sportsman who's the best in the world? It's absolutely superb."

And the concensus is Westwood's newly-earned status will not change him.

As Kaymer's challenge fizzled out in Spain, Westwood was at his local supermarket shopping for rubber gloves and mashed potato.

Family life means as much to Westwood as success on the golf course, hence his decision to resist the chance to concentrate on the PGA Tour next year and the riches of the FedEx Cup in favour of a summer holiday with his two children.

"He's still a proper Worksop lad," continued Beard. "He'll never change, that's the nice thing about him. And we'd soon put him in his place if he did.

"He could live anywhere in the world but he still chooses to stay here in Worksop.

"We are all very proud of him but, to be fair, it's been a case of when, not if, he makes No 1. It's the same with the majors."

Westwood's rise gathered momentum in 2006 when he teamed up with fitness trainer Steve McGregor, building a multi-gym into his Worksop home to help him keep up with the super-fit young golfers.

Revered Rotherham coach Cowen came on board in 2008 around the same time as Westwood appointed experienced Bingley bagman Billy Foster as his caddie.

Those two additions coincided with Westwood's best run in major championships – five top-three finishes in his last 10 – and Cowen said: "Everything has contributed; he has such a strong work ethic but you cannot underestimate the work Steve McGregor has done.

"The best thing about Lee is he's able to do anything I ask of him.

"You cannot get to the top without having a top team around you. Being No 1 in the world won't change him at all."

Nor does Cowen believe there is much that needs changing in the new world No 1's game. Since taking him under his tutelage, Cowen has worked tirelessly on improving Westwood's short game, with his accuracy from tee to green generally acknowledged as among the best.

And in a statement that says everything about the relationship between two men who will not be sitting back and allowing this accomplishment to be shortlived, Cowen says the hard work is only just beginning.

"Getting the short game right is another step towards becoming a complete player," he said of a man who first played golf at Kilton Forest in Worksop.

"Lee's short game is getting better and better. It's a question of time before he's comfortable with everything he's got but anyone who wants to win majors has to be sharp with every aspect of their game.

"Everybody can get better. The greatest saying is 'the road to success is always under construction' and Lee's never satisfied; that's why he's No 1."

Westwood is the 13th man to top the official rankings and faces an immediate challenge this week – victory for either Kaymer or Woods in Shanghai would be enough to depose the newly-crowned king.

"As far as the world ranking is concerned, yes, I'm not ranked No 1 in the world," said Woods. "In order to do that you have to win and I didn't win this year."

With Westwood also in contention this week, the champagne will be quoffed again if he can hold off Woods and Kaymer.

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