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Westwood feeling good ahead of US Open

Lee Westwood improved as the week progressed at the St Jude Classic in Memphis © Getty Images

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Lee Westwood insists he was satisfied with his warm-up for this week's US Open, despite finishing seven strokes off the pace at the St Jude Classic.

Westwood relinquished his crown without ever challenging during the four days in Memphis, with Harrison Frazar eventually taking the title after a three-hole play-off with Robert Karlsson.

World No. 2 Westwood struggled with his driver for the majority of the tournament, but he did at least show signs that he was finding his rhythm with a final-round 66. A six-under 274 marked a reasonable outcome for Westwood, who now feels confident he can challenge for his maiden major.

"I hit a few more fairways (Sunday) and I played nicely," said the Briton. "You can't play this golf course from the rough and that's what I did the first three days.

"I'm pleased, because I shot 69-70-69-66 this week and that's a pretty good score. This course is a good warm-up for the Open. It's not an easy test. I enjoyed coming back here as defending champion, all the people were great."

Frazar's victory lifts the American from world No. 583 up to No. 144 in the rankings, and there is also a major leap from 165 to 111 for Robert Rock. Rock won his first European Tour title at the Italian Open, and he credited a coaching manual for the improvement in his game.

"My putting had been letting me down so when I read the book I decided to use some of the tips in it," said Rock, who had not triumphed in 209 previous events. "It's helped me considerably."

World Rankings
1. Luke Donald (ENG), 2. Lee Westwood (ENG), 3. Martin Kaymer (GER), 4. Steve Stricker (USA), 5. Phil Mickelson, (USA), 6. Matt Kuchar (USA), 7. Graeme McDowell, 8. Rory McIlroy (NIR), (NIR), 9. Dustin Johnson (USA), 10. Paul Casey (ENG), 11. Charl Schwartzel (RSA), 12. Bubba Watson (USA), 13. Ian Poulter (ENG), 14. Nick Watney (USA), 15. Tiger Woods (USA), 16. KJ Choi (Kor) 17. Robert Karlsson (SWE), 18. Jason Day (AUS), 19. Jim Furyk (USA), 20. Hunter Mahan (USA)

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