Westwood Has Big Check On Line At Augusta

Lee Westwood tees off at Augusta National today aiming to finally net his first major title and, courtesy of sponsors Dunlop, put an extra £2 million in his bank account.

Westwood is one of the best players never to win a major, but its not for lack of trying or having the game for it. Obviously, he's hoping to shed that label by emerging victorious this weekend and donning the famous green jacket.

Westwood, who endorses Dunlop clothing only, will also land a massive £2 million courtesy of a unique sponsorship deal he enjoys with the leading golf brand. That's about $3.4 million American! The agreement stipulates that the Englishman picks up that whopping check for every major championship victory he notches.

The Ryder Cup stalwart finished second at Augusta in 2010 and he'll become the first British winner since Nick Faldo in 1996 should he go one better this weekend. If Westwood does secure The Masters title on Atlanta's most famous golf course, his sponsors will be the first to toast his success.

David Newbury, Dunlop's Head of Marketing, said, "We wish Lee every success at Augusta. He's been one of the world's leading players for many years and we'd be delighted if The Masters finally brings him the major victory his career deserves - even if it does mean signing a rather large cheque!"

Among many other books, Dave Donelson is the author of Weird Golf: 18 tales of fantastic, horrific, scientifically impossible, and morally reprehensible golf