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Monty guarantees Westwood will be fit for Ryder Cup

Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods are set to do battle at the Ryder Cup © Getty Images

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Colin Montgomerie has handed the European Ryder Cup team a huge boost by guaranteeing that Lee Westwood will be fit to compete in the tournament.

Westwood was forced to miss this month's US PGA Championship due to a persistent calf injury, prompting fears that he would not be able to play at Celtic Manor in October.

But, after conversations with Westwood, Montgomerie has revealed that he will be able to call upon the world No. 3.

"I phoned Lee on Sunday," he said. "Whether he will be playing any competitive golf before the Ryder Cup is in doubt, but at the same time he'll be hitting balls a week ahead of his scheduled time, which is two weeks before the Ryder Cup.

"That gives me great heart and should give us all great heart. So you can damn well guarantee that Lee Westwood will be playing at Celtic Manor."

Westwood may be guaranteed a place, but several other celebrated players - the likes of Padraig Harrington, Luke Donald, Paul Casey and Justin Rose - have not qualified for the tournament and are relying on a wildcard pick from Montgomerie.

Although many of that group have opted not to appear at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles this week, Montgomerie has revealed that he will not let that influence his decision over who to pick.

"I'm fully aware of the strength of feeling regarding the men who are in the US but I can tell you they are all passionate members of our tour and there shouldn't be any talk of them and us," he said.

"Am I disappointed none of them have come over? I'm disappointed as tournament chairman and for the sponsors, but not as Ryder Cup captain. We have to accept that is the way things are going."

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