It was a testing Ryder Cup for the seasoned Worksop born player in which he played indifferently and was rested from the Saturday morning foursomes by Nick Faldo, ending his proud record of never having missed a Ryder Cup session in his career.

It didn't get any better on the Sunday when he unexpectedly slipped up in the final day singles against Ben Curtis, who was the weak link in an otherwise on fire US side in the previous two days.

Even then, the Brit's Valhalla tribulations were not over, as his frustration got the better of him and he launched a tirade against the Oklahoma galleries who he said verbally abused him throughout the week.

But then, Westwood looked set for redemption at The Belfry at the weekend when he led the field in the British Masters.

But frustratingly, he let unknown Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano draw level and then was edged out at the third play off hole.

You could sense the weight of despair on Westwood's broad shoulders as a September to forget came to a close.

But let's hope rather than become 'the new Monty,' and grow surly and resentful as his career moves to its later stages, he shows the determination he displayed at The Belfry on a frequent basis.

If he does, a Major is still not beyond him.