BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2010 - Lee Westwood

The race to be crowned BBC Sports Personality is hotting up. Chris Mayer profiles the new world No.1 in golf: Lee Westwood

The last 12 months have seen a meteoric rise up the standings for Lee Westwood, after his solid year on the course, which saw him oust Tiger Woods from the World No.1 spot.

Woods had been the world's best for 281 weeks but Worksop's own Westwood became Europe's first No.1 golfer since Nick Faldo in 1994.

The top spot was the icing on the cake for Westwood as he continued his form from the back end of 2009, where he was the European Tour Player of the Year.

He finished second in both the US Masters at Augusta in April and the UK Open at St Andews further solidifying his place as the best all-rounder in golf.

Westwood had been in a long barren patch outside the world top 10, since he was World No.4 in 2000. But a break from the sport after the birth of his soon in 2001 meant he slipped down the rankings. European tour victories in the past three years saw him move onto the lucrative PGA Tour and he hasn't looked back since, regaining his place amongst the elite top 10 in 2009.

Westwood won the St Jude's Classic in June, but a calf injury straight after The Open scuppered any further chances of tour victories. He made it back in time for golf's most prestigous trophy though - the Ryder Cup

His fine year was capped off by helping Europe to victory against the US at Celtic Manor, by a single point. In his 7 Ryder Cup appearances, Westwood has been on the winning side 5 times showing his importance to the team, and the sport of golf in general.

That maiden major still eludes him, but surely if Westwood shows as much consistency on the greens as he did in 2010, then next year will be his time?

Odds on winning - 10/1

Verdict - Could well split the golf vote with McDowell, both have had landmark years in the careers, although Westwood has been more consistent over the 12 months.