David Drysdale, runner-up in last year’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, is taking inspiration from Lee Westwood as he hopes to go one better at Education City Golf Club this week.
The Scotsman, who was beaten to second place by Jorge Campillo in Doha last year after a thrilling five-hole play-off, watched Westwood finish second to Bryson DeChambeau at the Arnold Palmer Invitational over the weekend, the Englishman once again proving that age is just a number.
“What a player Lee has been for the last 25 years,” said Drysdale, who is two years Westwood’s junior. “He has made ten Ryder Cup appearances and I’m sure he’ll make an 11th his year. It’s nice to see, if I keep fit and injury free, there might be a few more years in me yet.
“I’m still trying hard to win. That’s the main goal - the reason I practice and keep going. Last year here was a great opportunity, and those opportunities haven’t come along as much as I’d have liked in my career, but I’m trying to get in that position again. I know I can hit some good golf shots under pressure. The plan is to practice and give myself a chance to have a go on the back nine on Sunday. I’m going to have a go if I’m given an opportunity.”
Drysdale was three strokes behind Campillo with three holes to play at last year’s event, but the pair finished level on 13 under par after the Spaniard dropped three strokes on the closing stretch.
The 45-year-old was denied a maiden European Tour victory thanks to some incredible putting from Campillo on the five extra holes, holing from more than 20 feet on three occasions.
“I won a couple of Challenge Tour events a while ago, but last year if it wasn’t for Jorge Campillo’s ridiculous putting I might have had one on the European Tour – hats off to him but I also hit a lot of good golf shots,” said Drysdale. “I know I’ve got the stuff to do it, I just need to get in that position more often.
“I’ve openly said for numerous years, I’ve been out here for almost 20, that if I hang my boots up having not won on the European Tour, I’d be bitterly disappointed – but it would still be a career to look back on and be proud of.
“I’ve got some great memories from last year. It’s hard to say where my game is at the moment because I’ve had a month off – but I didn’t have much form going into this week last year.
“The golf course suits my eye. I’ve been out on the range and I’ve been on the chipping and putting greens today. I’m in the Pro-Am early tomorrow so I’ll get to have another look at the golf course then. I’m looking forward to it.”
