Westwood undaunted

Strictly for informative purposes, American papers have been telling their readers about the sad state of Europe's challenge for the US Masters. The dismal form of past champions Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam and Jose-Maria Olazabal has left aspirants such as Lee Westwood without an inspirational figure this week.

So, is Westwood feeling utterly crushed by it all? Not if one is to judge from his reaction yesterday. "It doesn't bother me, because I'm not trying to beat the rest of the Europeans - I'm trying to beat the rest of the field," replied the world number seven.

Did he not feel the need of inspiration from the old hands? "Not really," came the reply in the now familiar, dead-pan Westwood way. And to emphasise the point, he explained that Faldo had joined him in practice here on Monday - at his own request.

"He was just walking across the course looking for somebody to join and he asked if he could make up a four with us," he explained.

"European dominance here hasn't really influenced me in any way. If somebody were to ask me what my favourite major is, it would be the Open, because it's played in Britain."

There is a disarming charm about Westwood's directness. Like the way he phoned Arnold Palmer wanting to know why his friend Darren Clarke had not received an invitation into the Bay Hill tournament. After the call, Clarke was added to the field.

And without wishing to be disrespectful to his European colleagues, he takes the view that the current problems of Faldo, Ballesteros et al, are essentially their own affairs. Incidentally, the general feeling is that Faldo will find a way of restoring his game to former dominance.

Ballesteros, who will be 42 on Friday, has not made a cut in the US since finishing 43rd in the 1996 Masters. Watching the way-wardness of his play in practice here this week, it was difficult to make a connection with the glory days when he twice won this coveted title; when he was leader by two strokes with four holes to play in 1986 - Jack Nicklaus's year - and when he lost in a play-off to Larry Mize 12 months later.

Then there is the other half of the erstwhile Spanish Armada, which once struck fear into Ryder Cup opponents. "The game is so touch-and-go for me," said Olazabal, whose outstanding performance this year was to reach the quarter-finals of the Andersen Consulting Matchplay. "I hit a good shot and I hit a bad shot, which makes it difficult to score."

Clarke offered a general view of a quiet European build-up to the week when he said: "We played so well last year and we're trying to keep it going. But this game is not easy and we're all seeing that."

Except Westwood. The 25-year-old won't bow to any player, not even the current world number-one, David Duval. "David's got confidence and a bit of luck going his way at the moment," he said, matter-of-factly. "When you do everything well, things tend to go for you. Experience also helps.

"I'm not really surprised at what he's achieved this season. In fact there's 10 people in the world who have done what David Duval has done over the last three months. So I don't envy him. Admire him, yes; but envy, no."

Westwood explained: "I'm not as good at chipping or possibly putting as David is at the moment. But maybe I'm a better iron player than he is. That's the way it's always going to be in golf."

Finally, what did he think of a betting list which had Duval as 5 to 1 favourite, Woods at 6 to 1 and 20 to 1 bar. With an innocent, boyish smile, he said: "I don't gamble, so I don't know about odds. But those odds look like good value." Which odds did he mean? "I'd take the rest of the field and risk it," he replied, without losing the look of innocence.

Westwood is an interesting young man, who seems to know precisely where he's going. But it remains to be seen whether he is quite ready for a green-jacket presentation in the Butler Cabin on Sunday evening.