Lee Westwood’s frosty Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods replies, ‘donkey’ comment and apology

**Lee Westwood Blasts “Brainwashed” Critics in Fiery LIV Golf Rant**

Lee Westwood, the 51-year-old English golf veteran, hasn’t held back in his response to critics of the LIV Golf series. Westwood, one of the earliest players to join the Saudi-funded circuit in 2022, has faced intense backlash from fellow golfers and fans alike.

Speaking on the *Fairway to Heaven* podcast, Westwood made it clear he’s unfazed by the criticism, stating, “After 30 years of being a professional sportsman I’ve learned not to give a s*** what anybody thinks.” Having devoted most of his career to the European Tour, Westwood rejected the PGA Tour’s allure before switching to LIV, standing firm on his decision despite the uproar.

Westwood, a longstanding member of the European Tour, explained that he chose to stay in Europe even as others moved to the U.S. amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He contrasted his loyalty to the European Tour with that of his critics, who he believes were misled. “I think a lot of those people are now starting to understand that they were being brainwashed by certain people with just purely financial motivations,” Westwood said, accusing his detractors of spreading false narratives about players who joined LIV.

The golf world has seen several heated exchanges involving Westwood. Among them, Rory McIlroy’s remarks before last year’s Ryder Cup, where he suggested that LIV players like Westwood would regret not being part of the tournament, sparked a war of words. Westwood and fellow LIV player Ian Poulter responded sarcastically, with Westwood quipping, “Nice to see the season of goodwill in full swing! Merry Christmas!!!”

Westwood also defended LIV Golf against criticism, pointing out similarities between the PGA’s new TGL ‘high-tech golf league’ and LIV’s format. He called out the hypocrisy of those who initially slammed LIV’s no-cut events and smaller fields but now back similar changes in the PGA.

Responding to Tiger Woods’ critique that LIV players had “turned their back on what allowed them to get to this position,” Westwood shrugged it off, saying, “Tiger is entitled to his opinion.”

Westwood has also clashed with Eddie Pepperell on social media, with the two exchanging sharp words over the merits and motivations behind LIV Golf. Despite the heated exchanges, Westwood remains unapologetic, standing firm in his decision to join the controversial series.

In another public spat, Westwood took on former Sunderland footballer Gordon Armstrong, who compared his move to LIV to match-fixing in football. Armstrong later apologized for the comment, which Westwood graciously accepted.

Westwood’s unfiltered defense of LIV Golf continues to stir the pot in the golf world, with the veteran golfer showing no signs of backing down.