I'm here to win the

European Masters,

not Ryder Cup pts

says Lee Westwood

FROM THE GUARDIAN.CO.UK WEBSITE
Lee Westwood insists that the race for Ryder Cup points is not his priority as he attempts to end a barren spell which stretches back almost two years. Instead his target for the rest of the season is to win twice and become European No 1 again.
As the race for Ryder Cup places starts on Thursday in the Swiss Alps, Westwood insisted: "I'm here for one reason and that is to try and win the Omega European Masters. If I win then the rest will take care of itself.
"There is no point in worrying about something that is a consequence of something else – in other words, playing well. I am not thinking about the Ryder Cup at all."
Westwood, pictured above, has played well this year but failed to win a trophy. A last-hole bogey denied him a play-off in the Open at Turnberry and at last month's US PGA Championship he was third again, jointly with Rory McIlroy, his playing partner the next two days in Switzerland.
The 20-year-old Ulsterman is third on the European Tour money list and victory this weekend would take him above Martin Kaymer – who is out for at least another month after breaking a foot go-karting – and Paul Casey, whose return from a rib injury has been delayed.
Westwood is one spot behind his stable-mate and has his sights on regaining the Order of Merit crown he held in 2000 before slumping outside the world's top 250. He believes next year could be the one when he finally breaks through in the majors.
"I'm looking forward to them now that I know what I need to improve and work on to win one," he added. "They are just minute things and having been on Tour and playing the game at this level for the past 16 years I know that there is no next level so to speak. I just need to make small improvements here and there and that can make all the difference in four rounds of golf in a major championship."