Lee Westwood is making progress with his Putting Coach Phil Kenyon

Lee Westwood acknowledged the help of putting coach Phil Kenyon recently when he was interviewed at his season opener in Abu Dhabi.

In reference to his stunning end of season form which saw Westwood win in South Africa and Thailand he stated 'The most pleasing thing was about four weeks prior to that, when I started working with Phil Kenyon, my new putting coach'.

'To shoot 62 around Sun City and then 60 and 64 around the course in Thailand you need to start making a few 15-footers, which I've been missing for the previous 17 years.

'Once they start going in all of a sudden you turn what would be a good round of 65 into a 60 or 62.'Westwood's main aim for the season, of course, is to try to end his wait for a major'.

'I think it's very difficult to win a major without making a few (putts) that are surprising or bonuses, so if I can start rolling in a few 25- to 30-footers that's obviously going to make a massive difference.

'The difference with Phil is that my practice is a lot more structured and based around drills to make sure that I do the same thing over and over again. It helps your whole game. It gives you confidence - if you start making putts that you have not been making then it takes the pressure off your long game.'