GOLF RYDER CUP:ANY SUGGESTION Lee Westwood will miss the Ryder Cup, or that Colin Montgomerie will be called on to pick another wild card for the European team, disappeared yesterday when the world number three declared himself fit, fresh and ready to face the US at Celtic Manor.
The Englishman, who played his last round of competitive golf at the Bridgestone Invitational six weeks ago, took part in a charity event at the Archerfield club near Edinburgh, reportedly walking all 18 holes. He plans to play 36 holes in one day before the end of this week, replicating the demands that may well be placed on him in south Wales as one of the best and most experienced players in the European team.
“I’ve been hitting balls for about a week now pretty intensively, and it feels good,” he said. “I’m still doing the gym work and the strengthening around it, because I want to play a full schedule after the Ryder Cup. It’s not just about getting fit for the Ryder Cup, because I want to have a few more goals after that’s all done and dusted. I feel very physically strong; I’ve been doing a lot of gym work and have lost a few pounds.
“It’s a case of just sharpening my game up now, which is probably going to be the last thing to come back because I haven’t played that much golf. I’m experienced enough to have had big breaks before and come straight back and played well, so I don’t see it as any problem at all and with it being matchplay as well, that’s different to strokeplay.”
Westwood even suggested he could return from his break a better player.
“I’m certainly mentally fresher; it’s like the start of a whole new season for me. I’m looking forward to the tournaments after the Ryder Cup, with the goal of getting back into the order of merit race. It’s very similar with the world rankings, as since I upped sticks six weeks ago they haven’t really got away from me there, so obviously world number one is still a goal for the rest of the year.”
As for the Ryder Cup, Westwood was characteristically cautious when it came to predicting a result. “I think it will be close – I don’t think you can have odds-on favourites. It’s just a question of holing putts at the right times and, when someone grabs the momentum, how far you can carry it and how many points you can get in front.
“In our team I think we’ve got a good blend of rookies and experienced players. There’s a lot of experience in the vice-captains and the captain as well. Monty’s played eight and the other captains have played a good few between them.
“If anybody wants to ask me anything then I’ve played under a lot of different captains, which is useful, and it’s always nice to know what’s coming.
“That’s the great thing about pairing a rookie with a more experienced player,” Westwood added.
Guardian Service
