• Ryder Cup

Montgomerie expecting Westwood to win fitness race

ESPN staff
August 12, 2010
Lee Westwood has played in the last six Ryder Cups © Getty Images
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European captain Colin Montgomerie is confident Lee Westwood will win his race to be fit for the forthcoming Ryder Cup.

The world No. 3 will miss this week's US PGA Championship due to a lingering calf injury, and there had been concerns the Englishman would be unavailable for a European side who are aiming to regain the trophy in October.

But, while Westwood continues his rehabilitation, Montgomerie admitted he is gladdened to hear that the 37-year-old is winning his fitness battle.

"He will be hitting balls in four weeks, which is great news for everybody in Europe," he said. "Our team will be greatly weakened if he didn't make it, so I'm delighted."

Although he has not had direct contact with the player, Montgomerie has spoken to Westwood's manager Andrew Chandler.

"He wants to play in the preceding event (The Vivendi in Paris on September 23-26) and I would be glad to see him there," he said. "But if he doesn't I'm sure three practice rounds around Celtic Manor will be good enough for Lee."

Europe will endeavour to regain the Ryder Cup after they lost to the United States at Valhalla Golf Club in 2008.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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