Westwood: Faldo pursuit
Lee Westwood has set his sights on breaking Nick Faldo's record as Europe's highest-scoring player in Ryder Cup history.
Faldo - who will captain Europe in September's match with the Americans at Valhalla - notched up 25 points during his career as a player.
That is some nine and a half points ahead of Westwood who insists the landmark is very much in his thoughts.
The 34-year-old is unbeaten in his previous ten games against the Americans, his last defeat coming in the singles to Scott Verplank at The Belfry back in 2002.
Having rediscovered something like his best form, Westwood - who currently tops Europe's Ryder Cup points list - looks a certainty to qualify for Faldo's team and, with plenty of years still left in the tank, is looking to eventually eclipse his captain's record.
"I've looked at the statistics, and that is a goal," he said of the record.
Westwood's return to form in recent times has coincided with a fitness regime that has seen him shed six inches around his waist in the past 18 months.
At one stage the Worksop professional had dropped out of the world's top-250, but last season saw him claim two titles (Andalucia Open and the British Masters) and no fewer than nine top-ten finishes on the European Tour.
Close to a major breakthrough
Fitter and stronger than ever, Westwood now feels his best years are ahead, not behind him and believes this could be the year - Tiger permitting - that he breaks his major duck.
"I feel closer to a major than ever before," he continued. "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.
"It feels like I'm hitting the ball an extra 15-20 yards since I started working out. I'm able to hit it harder, and all the movements are right."
Augusta
Westwood's first shot at a major will come in a month's time at Augusta, a venue that last year - after disappointing opening rounds of 79 and 73 - prompted him to comment: "Augusta just asks too many questions that there's no answer to. There are only six or seven people in the field who can win it."
The Englishman will head into this year's tournament in far more positive frame of mind, but accepts he will have to temper his natural aggression.
"It will be interesting to see what happens this year. There's definitely a way to play Augusta. I'm a naturally aggressive player, but I will have to rein it in and remember where I am."
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