Cowen – Westy just fine

Lee Westwood’s coach Pete Cowen is confident the world number three will be back to his best at next month’s Ryder Cup.
Lee Westwood’s coach Pete Cowen is confident the world number three will be back to his best at next month’s Ryder Cup.
The 37-year-old Englishman – runner-up in this year’s Masters and Open Championship – has not played competitively since withdrawing from the WGC Bridgestone Invitational seven weeks ago after suffering a torn calf muscle.
Westwood took time out of the game to ensure he will be fully fit for the match at Celtic Manor and Cowen confirmed that he will be just that.
“We’ve been chipping and putting,” Cowen told Sky Sports News. “His pitching was fantastic last week, the movement’s good.
“Because he is so fit, it is pretty easy to pick up everything we have done. He has got great stability in his lower body, it’s really, really good. A couple of rounds with the lads before they start on the Friday and I think he’ll be good as gold. Lee will be up for it whatever.”
Asked if Westwood was determined to play at Celtic Manor, Cowen said: “Absolutely. That is why he’s done what he’s done. He has forsaken playing and just said ‘Right, I need it right.’ And if it wasn’t right I’m sure Lee would say, but it’s going to be fine.
“The scan shows that the tear has heeled. It’s just a bit of rehab, so I don’t think anybody has got any problems at all, let alone the captain. He will just be out there and he’ll say ‘Whoever you want to play me with, I’ll play with and hopefully win’.
“He loves the Ryder Cup so he is going to be at his best.”
Latest
-
News
‘My best is ahead of me’ – Justin Rose motivated by winning majors, not rankings
The Englishman endured a first winless season since 2009 in 2020 and starts this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic ranked 38th in the world.
-
News
Justin Rose concerned about his chances of defending his Olympic title
Rose won gold in Rio in 2016 but the former world number one is currently outside the qualifying places.
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.