Lee Westwood has revealed he became a golfing superstar using the same set of clubs for 13 years.
So there were mixed feelings when he signed a three-year £5m deal with Ping yesterday.
It meant he would finally have to ditch the original Ping clubs he has had in his bag for all those years - battle-scarred sticks that have helped him win 24 tournaments worldwide and taken him to the brink of the European Order of Merit title.
He was almost 12 when his grandparents bought him a pounds 40 half set for Christmas.
"These Ping clubs have been with him ever since. He has played with them all round the world," said his manager Chubby Chandler.
Lee Westwood with his most recent trophy. Belgacom Open. Allsport.
"I don't think he went to bed with the clubs like some kids with new soccer boots, but they were and are his pride and joy.''
Westwood goes in search of glory today in the £3,500,000 American Express World Championship. He said: "I'll get more satisfaction winning here because it means I would have beaten Tiger Woods - and set a record for most wins on the European Tour in one season.''
