Westwood Able To Walk 14 Holes! Makes Birdies Too!

A giddy unbylined report relies on Lee Westwood's on-the-ground reporting of Lee Westwood's first round of golf in over a month in advance of the Ryder Cup.

“I was a bit rusty, but I had six birdies and an eagle – in a 30mph wind.”

Westwood feels as certain as he can that he will not only be winning a seventh cap against the Americans at Celtic Manor, but playing a full part in the match.

His fitness trainer, Steve McGregor, who has been supervising his rehabilitation, accompanied the 37-year-old and despite the “fairly undulating” lay-out allowed Westwood to play the first 14 holes on foot before insisting he ride the final four in a buggy.

See, just like in the Ryder Cup. Play fourteen, lose 5 & 4, then ride in a cart the rest of the way.

The daily work-outs will continue before Europe’s highest-ranked and most experienced team member plays in a charity event at Archerfield in Scotland next Monday and Tuesday.

He plans to walk both rounds there and then will put himself through 36 holes in one day – the same format as the opening two days of the Ryder Cup – next Friday.

And then bingo, he's back! At least Padraig is getting in some tournament rounds.