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.”

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