Lee plays down Ryder Cup fears

Lee Westwood today dismissed fears expressed by captain Ian Woosnam that Europe will be forced to field an understrength team against the United States in next year's defence of the Ryder Cup.

Woosnam is concerned about the number of the continent's leading golfers who are turning their backs on the European Tour to play on the more lucrative American circuit.

The European Ryder Cup team is made up of the top five from the world rankings, the top five from the European Order of Merit not already qualified through the world rankings, plus two selections by the captain.

Woosnam believes that too many players will attempt to make the team at the K Club in Dublin by gaining world ranking points in tournaments on the other side of the Atlantic. That would allow weaker players to make the team through the European ranking events.

"I'm worried how the team may work out if the guys keep playing in America," he said.

But Westwood, one of seven members of last year's victorious European Ryder Cup team competing in this week's Dunlop British Masters at the Forest of Arden course near Coventry, believes the cream will rise to the top wherever they play.

The former European No1, who has spent most of the early season competing on the US Tour, said: "I can't think of any of the team from last time who turned their back completely on the European Tour.