Westy's back in business

Lee Westwood

Currently ranked 20th in the world and second in the European Tour Order of Merit, a leaner, fitter and hungrier Lee Westwood is looking to step up in the majors in 2008 and as well as adding to his successful Ryder Cup record.

Nick Bayly caught up with the Worksop wonder in London, where he was helping to launch the 2008 Financial Times Business Championships at City Golf & Health Club.

You've been having a great start to the season, what has really changed in these last six months for you?
I think it's a combination of a lot of things with the work I've done on my fitness and the short game work I've done with Mark Roe has had big benefits. I can be a lot more aggressive on the golf course with flags and I'm finding it easier to get up-and-down.

I've been working on my putting with Paul Hurrion, and I've started to roll a few more in and my confidence is high in relation to all aspects of my game. I've also being doing lots of work on the range with my dad at home. I'm a lot more confident with my technique. I've taken it more on to my own shoulders what I want to do with my golf swing, and I understand my golf swing a lot better now, and what works for me.

Is this the best start you have ever made to a season?
Yes. I'm normally a slow starter. It's all to do with my fitness. I usually come out a bit lethargic and the muscles not really working, but I do a lot in the gym with the muscles on the golf swing and I feel very strong and everything feels right.

You're fitter and leaner than we've seen you since you were winning around the world. Give us an idea of your typical work out programme.
I've actually put on a few pounds since I've started going to the gym regularly and eating properly, but apparently I've swapped some fat for muscle, which as we all know, weighs a bit more!

I've dropped six inches off my waist size [40 to 34] and I've been spending 2-3 hours a day working in the gym, with weights, running machines and a balancing ball. I've been working with a sports science doctor in Harrogate called Steve MacGregor and I've really improved my central core strength, which plays a vital part in the swing and maintaining good posture. I even managed to stand unaided on the balance ball last week for the first time - which is much harder than it sounds, believe me. I am eating a lot healthier than I was before, with lots of smoothies, protein and 'good' fats.

I've never felt fitter or healthier, and although it's hard to say that its saving me shots around the course, I am hitting the ball 20 yards further off the tee this season, which can't be just down to the equipment as I haven't changed it in that time. I've got more strength and stamina, and whereas before after a round I'd feel pretty knackered, now I feel like I could go out there again.

Lee Westwood practising

Other than that, I've played pretty well. I started slowly in Shanghai and only got into a play-off when Phil came back, but no, I'm pleased with the way things are going. If you show that kind of consistency, it's very difficult to be critical of 11 top-10s in 12 events.

All you can do is keep putting yourself in contention on Sunday and in the last couple of groups within striking distance and I've been doing that, so that's my main goal now.

So what are your main goals for 2008?
Like a lot of the guys, I'm building my schedule around the majors and I feel closer to a major than ever before. I like all the major venues this year and I feel ready to have a second career and kick on. But all the work I've been doing is not just about what happens in 2008; it's about what happens in 2018. I'll still be only 44 then. I need to keep my self physically and mentally fresh and it's a question of balancing short and long-term goals.

How are feeling going into the Masters after your performance last year? What will be your game plan around Augusta?
It should be interesting to see what happens. Zach Johnson's win will make a lot of players adjust the way they play the course, as he laid up on all the par fives and won by making fewest mistakes. There's definitely a way to play Augusta, but I'm more of a naturally aggressive player, so I will have to rein myself in a bit and try and remember where I am.

How much are you looking forward to the Ryder Cup?
It's something all players look forward to - and I'm no different. I've been lucky enough to have played in the last five matches and haven't been left out of a single game. That's 25 matches on the spin. I've got 151/2 points, and although it's the ultimate team game, I've also got my eye on Nick's [Faldo] record of 25 points. It's a good target to aim for. We've already had a few unofficial dinners with potential team members, and Nick got the European contingent together at the Accenture World Match Play last month. He hasn't called me directly. It's still a long way off, and none of the players are talking amongst themselves about it.

What's new in your bag for the coming season?
Nothing different from the end of last season really. I've got a Ping G10 driver, 3 and 5-wood, Ping G10 3-iron to PW, 52 and 58-degree Ping Tour wedges and a Ping Redwood Piper S putter. I play with a Titleist ProV1x ball - although it's last year's model, not the new one.

Have you any plans to play in the European Open at the London Club? Is it a course you're familiar with?
I've not played there before, but I am confident that I'll be playing there, as it's only two weeks before The Open and I won't be playing in the US that week. Darren (Clarke) has already been down there, and I've heard good reports.