LIV Golf announce replacement for injured Lee Westwood

LIV Golf have announced young English pro Ben Schmidt will replace Lee Westwood in the Majesticks line-up for their stops in Riyadh and Adelaide. 

The PIF-backed breakaway begin their fourth full campaign on 4 February under the lights in Riyadh. 

Former world number one Westwood, 55, was expected to tee up alongside teammates Ian Poulter, Sam Horsfield and new signing Laurie Canter. 

But the Englishman announced on 2 February that he sustained a wrist injury during his pre-season preparations. 

Westwood said in a short statement posted on his social media channels that the injury was "nothing to worry about". 

But it will prevent him from participating at LIV's stop this week and their annual stop in Adelaide over 12-15 February.

Westwood said he will be back for their stop in Hong Kong. 

In the meantime, Schmidt has been called up as a reserve. 

Westwood isn't the only player to withdraw from the first two stops of the 2026 campaign. 

Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson announced on Sunday that "a private family health matter" will keep him away until LIV's stop in Hong Kong. 

Mickelson, 55, has confirmed Ollie Schniederjans will fill-in as a reserve for the HyFlyers alongside Cameron Tringale, Brendan Steel and new recruit Michael La Sasso. 

Who is Ben Schmidt? 

Schmidt is a highly-rated 23-year-old professional golfer. 

In 2019, he became the youngest-ever champion ofthe Brabazon Trophy, winning by five strokes at just 16 years old. 

He is currently ranked No. 301 in the Official World Golf Ranking. 

A member of Rotherham Golf Club, Schmidt turned professional in May 2021 after collecting two amateur titles. 

He also represented Great Britain and Ireland in the 2021 Walker Cup.