Lee Westwood puts kids before golf as divorce takes toll

Westwood was ranked sixth in the world when he made the decision in the winter of 2012 to relocate to the United States, hoping the better weather in Florida would expand his practice options and enable him to make the step to winning his first major championship.

Three years on, however, the Worksop native is preparing to return to England, with his world ranking having fallen to 44th amidst a split from his wife Laurae.

Moving back to England to be closer to his kids, Westwood acknowledged ahead of this week’s British Masters that his family issues had distracted from his golf.

“I've always said I've had priorities and that golf was not the most important thing, but obviously my kids are now," Westwood said.

"I'm moving back to Britain, have given up my PGA Tour membership and, for personal reasons, will play the European Tour predominantly, so I can be where I need to be."

He added: "It's no surprise my game's suffered this year. We know that so much of golf is mental and there's been a lot going on that has affected me in the mind."

Nevertheless, Westwood hopes that returning to familiar shores will spark an improved run of form over the coming years.

"I don't know what it will do my game - I haven't really much thought about it - but living in the States didn't move it in the direction I hoped," he said.

"My ranking has fallen a lot and I need to address that and play well to keep myself in the top 50. I do still believe I can get back up there."

It may be too soon to think about next year’s Ryder Cup, but Westwood has already acknowledged that qualifying for good friend Darren Clarke’s side might be beyond him.

The Englishman has made nine appearances in the team event, so Clarke would certainly value his experience on the side.

"I won't lie - golf doesn't mean as much to me now as it did, say, five years ago," the 42-year-old said.

"Yet I am still prepared to graft at it. As far as the Ryder Cup goes, well, obviously I've played in nine in a row and want to keep that going. It's the biggest buzz we get from any tournament.

"But if I'm not involved as a player then I'd like to be in the backroom. I'd like to help out Darren, with a view to being the captain down the road."