Media pressure doesn't help - Westwood

Lee Westwood believes the intense media spotlight on the British players prevents them being successful in the Open.

The Englishman was touted by many as being one of the favourites to land the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale after coming into the tournament in fine form following his third-placed finish at the US Open last month.

However, he has struggled to negotiate the tough playing conditions and is way down the field after his third-round 78 today.

His putting has not helped but Westwood also feels the added media pressure has been significant in his inability to perform.

"The disappointing thing is that at the US Open I went in with no expectations," he said. "This week that's just not possible.

"There's so much going on, especially for an English player. It's just not possible to be low key.

"There's too much to do to concentrate solely on golf. I think that's part of the reason British players don't do better, but I think I can manage it better in the future."

Westwood managed just his second birdie of the competition on the par-five 17th in his third round but then missed the chance to add another on the last as he missed a four-footer.

He summed up his frustration by sarcastically suggesting: "I didn't want to spoil it by birdieing the last as well. I wish this was Sunday - I've just not felt comfortable on the greens. I went back to a normal grip today, but left everything short."