Sep
17
2010
Westwood Walks 14 Holes in Steps to Recovery
By Stephanie Wei under Ryder Cup

I’m sure Monty let out a big sigh of relief when the report came out that Lee Westwood passed his first test on the road to recovery from an injured calf muscle. Westwood, who withdrew at the WGC-Bridgestone and missed the PGA Championship to complete the proper rehabilitation, will reportedly be ready for the Ryder Cup matches the first week of October, according to his management company.

Westwood played for the first time since August 6th on Wednesday. He even walked 14 holes before he jumped in a golf cart for the final four. “Never have I been so excited about a Jaguar corporate day,” Westy joked. He was also happy with his game.

“I was a bit rusty, but I had six birdies and an eagle – in a 30mph wind”

“I’m lighter, leaner and stronger – fitter than I was before I did the injury,” said Westwood in a report from the Daily Mail. “The only thing I don’t have is competitiveness. But that does not worry me – the Ryder Cup is completely different.

“It’s match play for starters. If I had a scorecard in my hand I would expect to need a week to get the scoring back.”

“If Monty wants me to, I’ll be able to play five games no problem,” he said to the Independent. “I am feeling fitter and stronger than I was before I was injured. I was down to 80-85 per cent by May but now, because of this enforced break, I have had another pre-season and I feel I’m back up to 100 per cent – or even a little bit better.”

He’s an athlete!

Meanwhile, the world’s number three will play in a charity event next Monday and Tuesday. Westwood also plans to walk 36 holes next Friday. Though he assured Monty there was no need for a replacement to stand by (like No. 7 Paul Casey), chances are he won’t be in prime shape after a long layoff. Just ask Anthony Kim.
Corey Pavin and the Americans are probably holding their breath and hoping Westwood is “healthy” to play the matches.

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