The Scotsman, who was beaten to second place by Jorge Campillo in Doha last year after a thrilling five-hole play-off, watched Westwood finish second to Bryson DeChambeau at the Arnold Palmer Invitational over the weekend, the Englishman once again proving that age is just a number.

“What a player Lee has been for the last 25 years,” said Drysdale, who is two years Westwood’s junior. “He has made ten Ryder Cup appearances and I’m sure he’ll make an 11th this year. It’s nice to see, if I keep fit and injury free, there might be a few more years in me yet.

“I’m still trying hard to win. That’s the main goal - the reason I practice and keep going. Last year here was a great opportunity, and those opportunities haven’t come along as much as I’d have liked in my career, but I’m trying to get in that position again. I know I can hit some good golf shots under pressure. The plan is to practice and give myself a chance to have a go on the back nine on Sunday. I’m going to have a go if I’m given an opportunity.”

The 45-year-old was denied a maiden European Tour victory thanks to some incredible putting from Campillo on the five extra holes, holing from more than 20 feet on three occasions.

“I won a couple of Challenge Tour events a while ago, but last year if it wasn’t for Jorge Campillo’s ridiculous putting I might have had one on the European Tour – hats off to him but I also hit a lot of good golf shots,” said Drysdale. “I know I’ve got the stuff to do it, I just need to get in that position more often.

“I’ve openly said for numerous years, I’ve been out here for almost 20 years, that if I hang my boots up having not won on the European Tour, I’d be bitterly disappointed – but it would still be a career to look back on and be proud of.”
European Tour