Lee Westwood previews the Ryder Cup

Lee Westwood previews the Ryder Cup

Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke said Lee Westwood will be his “general” for the tournament at Hazeltine.

The Englishman was confirmed as a wildcard pick, on Tuesday morning, alongside Germany’s Martin Kaymer, 31, and Belgian rookie Thomas Pieters, 24.

Westwood is relishing the opportunity to face the US team but isn’t underestimating the task Team Europe have on their hands.

“Yeah, it’s going to be a very tough task. You can’t make any bones about that,” said Westwood

“The U.S. side is going to be very strong but we are equally as strong. It’s a great mix of experience and youth.

“The rookies on our team are experienced at playing over in the States. Danny Willett is obviously the Masters Champion and we have people that have won U.S.

“Amateurs and thing like that. I think it’s going to be a very close contest. Obviously the crowd will be on their side but we’ve come up against that before.

“And I think we’re, you know, ready to give our all, and like Darren said, he’s got a very strong side and he’s got a lot of options for partnerships.

“Well, general is above captain, so I’m not sure I feel like that. I’m going to leave all the big decisions to him.

“But obviously it’s always nice to have experience on the golf course and off it, in the team room. It’s nice to have another option.

“Darren’s got some great vice captains that he can fall back on. But if he needs to pull me to one side and have a chat and ask me my thoughts, I’m happy to do that; I can fall back on ten Ryder Cups.”