Lee Westwood faces £50m divorce battle after wife accuses him of cheating before 2015 split
Lee has won £50m in prize money and earns another £5m annually in sponsorship deals
GOLFER Lee Westwood faces a £50million divorce after his wife accused him of “cheating”.
Laurae, 42, has filed legal papers in Florida citing the Brit’s “misconduct”.
It is understood the claims relate to her suspicion that he had extra-marital affairs.
Lee, who has won £50million prize money and earns £5million a year in sponsorship deals, fiercely denies the accusations in papers of his own.
A relative of Laurae — wed 16 years to 44-year-old Lee — confirmed she suspects he cheated.
They said: “The whole thing is a mess. Both have made claims and it is unfortunately for the courts to decide how it ends up.
“Lee denies he’s done anything wrong, but it’s very sad given how long they’ve been together.”
Lee and beauty therapist Laurae, who have two teenage children, lived in Florida for five years before splitting in 2015.
Months after the break-up Lee shacked up with model Helen Storey, 40, a divorced mum.
Laurae — sister of Scots golfer Andrew Coltart — now has a home near North Berwick.
Favourite with fans
LEE Westwood is a fan-favourite “nearly-man” in the world of golf.
Originally from Worksop, Notts, he topped the sport’s rankings in 2010, but has won none of the four Major titles.
He was awarded an OBE in 2012.
Millions of fans have followed his career, hoping to see him finally claim a top prize. Dunlop will pay him £2million if he lands a Major.
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He and Laurae are set to face each other at Palm Beach county court next month.
But the golfer has asked judges to move the hearing as it clashes with this year’s British Masters, which he is due to host.
His lawyers said in a court application: “In the event the trial date cannot be changed, he will abdicate his responsibilities with respect to the British Masters.”