Lee Westwood is getting in shape having shed 23 pounds ahead of making his ninth appearance in a European Ryder Cup team.
After failing to qualify automatically Westwood was afforded on three ‘wildcard’ picks into Paul McGinley’s European Team.
It was only the second occasion since making his debut in Seve Ballesteros’ 1997 European Team Westwood has had to rely on a pick with the other time being in 2006 for Ian Woosnam’s team, and with Westwood and fellow pick Darren Clarke being undefeated.
However it was a trim-looking 41-year old who arrived at Celtic Manor for this week’s Wales Open.
“I’m vanishing,” smiled Westwood.
“I’ve lost about 23 pounds in six weeks. I’ve been doing double gym session, and also undertaking cardio sessions and weight sessions and watching my diet.”
Lee Westwood reveals he’s shed 23 pounds heading into his ninth Ryder Cup. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)
Westwood is competing in the Wales Open for a first time in a decade since missing the halfway cut in 2004.
However it was four years ago when Westwood last teed-up on the host Twenty-Ten course as a member of the victorious 2010 European Ryder Cup team and helping deliver 2 ½ points towards Europe’s one point success.
“It was very different out there today in the Pro-Am, a lot drier, a bit of run on the ball, which we didn’t have in 2010,” he said.
“There was a few less people, as well. Walking down the 16th and 17th, the big hill on the left side, that was a mass of people the last time I was here.
“So it’s nice to come back, and part of me is Welsh (grandmother), so it’s nice to play the Wales Open again.”
Organisers have grouped Westwood to play with Scottish-born Ryder Cup rookie Stephen Gallacher and fellow Englishman Paul Casey who captured last week’s KLM Open.
Westwood and Gallacher are joined in the Wales event by Gleneagles team mates Thomas Bjorn and Welsh-born rookie Jamie Donaldson.
