Lee Westwood’s Welsh return

European Ryder Cup wildcard Lee Westwood will return to the site of Europe’s 2010 Ryder Cup triumph, after confirming he will play in the Wales Open at Celtic Manor the week before this month’s Ryder Cup match.

The Englishman has struggled over the past few months, missing four cuts in his last seven events. However, he still managed to edge out Francesco Molinari and Luke Donald for a place in Paul McGinley’s side.

Speaking to europeantour.com, the eight-time Ryder Cup stalwart is sure playing in the Wales Open will be the ideal warm-up before he faces the Americans.

“The ISPS Handa Wales Open had always been in the back of my mind as long as I made the team,” said the world No.38. “Now that I have, that’s where I’ll be. It’s going to be a great week and perfect preparation.

“I’m going to enjoy myself and hopefully head further north with another win in the bag.” – Lee Westwood

“From everything I know and have heard, it’s going to be the ideal place to play the week before the Ryder Cup. Paul’s attention to detail will ensure we are all perfectly prepared wherever we are coming from, but I’m thrilled that Wales will be my starting point.”

“Hopefully we’ll get a bit of sunshine this time. But whatever the weather, I know I’m going to enjoy myself and hopefully head further north with another win in the bag and be ready for anything the Americans can throw at us.”

Jamie Donaldson to tee it up alongside Lee Westwood

Welshman Jamie Donaldson has also committed to playing in his home Open the week before he makes his Ryder Cup debut at Gleneagles.

Like Westwood, Donaldson is sure the Wales Open will leave him in perfect shape heading into the biggest contest of his career.

“One thing’s for sure, I know I will be able to count on a lot of support.” – Jamie Donaldson

“I’m very excited to be playing again at the ISPS HANDA Wales Open and it’s always special to tee it up in your home championship,” the Czech Masters winner told europeantour.com.

“Hopefully I can continue my good form and make a strong challenge for the title. One thing’s for sure, I know I will be able to count on a lot of support for that week.

“It’s going to be the start of a very big two weeks for me with the Ryder Cup taking place at Gleneagles the very next week. I know Celtic Manor will provide the ideal tune-up for the course and conditions we are likely to face in Scotland.”