Golf:European Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood says he is feeling "pretty strong" as he prepares to play his first round since pulling out of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational seven weeks ago. The 37-year-old has been sidelined since the event at Turning Stone in Ohio after rupturing his calf muscle.
There had been concerns that he would not be fit in time for the clash with the Americans at Celtic Manor at the start of next month.
But the Englishman, the world number three, said: “I haven’t had any pain for three weeks. I’ve made great progress. I’m pretty strong at the moment. I’d be fine playing in all five matches (in the Ryder Cup).
“I’ve been working with my coach, Pete Cowen, and he says I’m swinging it better than I was before.”
Westwood also revealed that he has been working hard on his fitness under trainer Steven McGregor in an effort to ensure he is in tip-top shape for the showdown in Newport.
“I haven’t had a drink in four weeks and have lost 12lbs since the Open,” said Westwood.
After playing a few rounds this week Westwood is set to head to Scotland to play in a charity event on Monday and Tuesday, and then plans to play two rounds a week on Friday.
“I just want to replicate the Ryder Cup with two matches in one day,” he said.