• Ryder Cup

Clarke thrilled with Westwood progress

ESPN staff
September 20, 2010
Lee Westwood will be a key figure for Europe next week © Getty Images
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Darren Clarke has admitted it is a huge boost to Europe's Ryder Cup hopes that Lee Westwood has declared himself fit for duty.

Westwood has not played a competitive round of golf since pulling out of the Bridgestone Invitational at the start of August on account of a leg injury. The world No. 3 played a couple of practice rounds last week and will step up his workload this week by playing 36 holes in a day in a bid to mirror what will be needed at Celtic Manor at the start of October.

Europe vice-captain Clarke will oversee Westwood's preparations at a charity event in Scotland this week and he is thrilled his close friend will be in the team.

"I think we are all relieved," Clarke told Sky Sports News. "The team want him there and with the golf he has been playing this year, albeit he has not played much of late because of the injury, he is a seasoned Ryder Cup player and it is a huge boost for the team that he is fit and ready to play."

Rory McIlroy is a potential partner for Westwood in the foursomes and fourballs and the Ulsterman is 'excited' by the prospect of having Europe's No. 1 in the team.

"We knew all about how Lee was getting on and how his fitness was," McIlroy said. "But he has been hitting balls for a few weeks now and he feels pretty good and we are excited about having him on the team."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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