LEE Westwood is looking to finish his year with a win when he tees up tomorrow in the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City.

This is the 35-year-old Worksop player's first tournament back after an operation to remove his tonsils.

Though one of only 12 players taking part, Westwood will face a strong challenge from Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Trevor Immelman, Robert Karlsson, Rory Sabbatini, KJ Choi, Luke Donald, Kenny Perry, Miguel Angel Jiminez and James Kingston.

The nearly man of the Nedbank, he tied fourth in 1998, finished fourth again the following year, lost at the second extra hole in a play-off to Ernie Els in 2000 and finished fifth a year later.

Along with his dad, John, he won the Dimension Data Pro-am over the South African course in 2000 and said: "I have all the family here with me. It is one of my favourite places. In the past, we've really have a great time and I'm sure my kids will love it too. The hospitality is fantastic.

"The social side plays just as big a part as the golf. In previous years, we've been on a safari party and one year we had a beach party, which had to be held indoors because of bad weather. Can you believe it?"

The former European No.1 has been one of the most consistent golfers in the world and is tenth in the World Rankings.

He said: "It's been a year of nearlies and it was nearly again in the Volvo Masters at Valderrama. I didn't feel I was hitting the ball great that week. I wasn't straight enough, but I've played well all year and I'm pleased about being back in the top ten.

His caddy Alistair McLean added: "Lee's drives were not spot-on that week. His drives usually have such a strong flight, carrying almost 300 yards through the air.

"I worked for Colin Montgomerie and I know what good driving is and, in full flow, Lee is one of the best in the world, long and straight. Most big hitters miss fairways. Lee doesn't."

Westwood is due to play two more tournaments to complete his schedule for the year. He said: "After this, I'm off to play in the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek and the SAA Open, then it's home for Christmas."