Westwood says feedback on safety convinced him to play in U.S. Open

FILE PHOTO: Sep 17, 2020; Mamaroneck, New York, USA; Lee Westwood plays his shot from the third tee during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Winged Foot Golf Club - West. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Former world number one Lee Westwood said that he was reluctant to travel anywhere for tournaments amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but speaking to his fellow professionals eased his concerns about playing in the U.S. Open.

The Englishman, who has 25 European Tour wins and two PGA Tour victories, had previously said he was slightly asthmatic and would not feel comfortable playing in the United States where over 197,200 people have died due to COVID-19.