Lee Westwood and Paul Casey to play in the 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic
- Tuesday, 7 October 2008
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Lee Westwood set for the Johnnie Walker Classic
The 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic has attracted two star names in the form of Ryder Cuppers Lee Westwood and Paul Casey who will join two-time Open champion Greg Norman in the line-up at The Vines Resort & Country Club in Western Australia.
Former winners include Nick Faldo, Norman, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods, and the inaugural event’s “Keep walking” philosophy sees the tournament return to Australia after visits to Thailand and India in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
British Masters runner-up Lee Westwood has enjoyed a decent year and despite a disappointing Ryder Cup, the Englishman is now ranked 12 in the world – testament to his return to form after a four-year absence from the winners’ circle.
The 35-year-old’s victory over Norman at the Australian Open in 1997 remains the last time that the two met Down Under – Westwood clinching the title at a play-off in Melbourne.
“I’m already looking forward to playing in Perth and to the Australian sunshine which will be a welcome change from the European winter. One thing I’m sure about is that the welcome we’ll all receive at the Johnnie Walker Classic will be just as warm as the weather,” said Westwood.
Conversely, Paul Casey, winner of the Johnnie Walker Young Player of the Year Award in 2006, has had a mediocre year by his standards, slipping to 38th in the world and failing to notch a win on the PGA Tour where he spends most of his time.
At 20th on the European Order of Merit, a trip Down Under next February, by which time The Race to Dubai will be well underway, may be just what the 31-year-old requires.
Johnnie Walker’s Global Brand Director David Gates has expressed his desire to ensure that next season’s event in Perth has its traditional star-studded line-up.
“Since its inauguration in 1990, the Johnnie Walker Classic has always boasted a line-up that has featured the crème de la crème of the game and 2009 will be no exception,” said Gates.
