British Open 2019: Why Lee Westwood’s caddie-girlfriend could be his secret weapon

Lee Westwood is in the mix at the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush, and if he wins this week he’ll be the event’s second-oldest winner in its storied history. The 46-year-old is still chasing that elusive major victory to add to his resume, but he’s already put himself in a good position this week.

If Westwood does come through, he’ll have to dish some credit to his caddie, girlfriend Helen Storey. She’s caddied for Westwood before since he split with long-time looper Billy Foster last year, but this is the first time she’s done it at a major.

“She’s delighted because they’ve got their own rakers,” Westwood said. “She doesn’t have to rake the bunkers.”

But Westwood says their partnership works well on the course.

“Obviously I get on well with Helen,” he said. “She doesn’t know too much about golf but she knows a lot about the way my mind works. So she keeps me in a good frame of mind and focusing on the right things at the right time. There’s more to the caddying than carrying and getting the wind direction. I enjoy doing it all myself. Get the yardage, pull the club, it’s all my responsibility, and I’m 100 percent clear in my mind what I’m doing.”

She also keeps him loose. The first week she ever caddied for him she was carrying a big divot back to replace it and said, “I hope there’s not a worm in this.”

“It makes me smile,” Westwood said. “It’s a big advantage.”

It’s worked so far, as Westwood hasn’t slowed down in Round 3 at Royal Portrush. You can follow along here.