Westwood finishes with a flourish

1:00am Sunday 18th May 2008

Lee Westwood produced one of the greatest finishes to a round in European Tour history at the Irish Open on Saturday, and now has his sights firmly set on a 30th professional victory.

On an Adare Manor course described by Ryder Cup team-mate Paul McGinley as "a monster" on Thursday, Westwood followed birdies at the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th with a closing eagle three.

Six under for the last five holes gave the former European number one a 64, only one outside Padraig Harrington's course record, and he is just one stroke adrift of fellow Englishman Richard Finch and two behind new leader Bradley Dredge.

Dredge, home in 31 like Westwood, returned a 66 for nine under, while Finch shot 65.

In terms of scoring, the only finish that can better Westwood's on the circuit came from Australian Peter O'Malley on the final day of the 1992 Scottish Open at Gleneagles.

O'Malley went eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie-eagle to pip Colin Montgomerie to the title.

"I just went out to enjoy it - and that was very enjoyable," said Westwood.

"A 64 round here you have got to class as a pretty good score. I pulled the four-iron at the last, but it was a good putt."

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