Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Tour dates clash angers Westwood


Westwood won his second 2007 Tour title at the British Masters

Lee Westwood has accused the European Tour of "mismanagement" after missing what promises to be a thrilling finale to the season at Valderrama in Spain.

This week's Volvo Masters will settle the Order of Merit with Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Padraig Harrington, Niclas Fasth and Henrik Stenson in contention.

But Westwood, who is ranked 10th, has committed himself to playing in the Singapore Open on the Asian Tour.

He said: "The mismanagement on behalf of the European Tour is disappointing."

The dates for the 2007 Singapore Open were announced in May 2006, several months before the European Tour announced its schedule.

And Westwood, although upset to be missing out on the Volvo Masters, said he had never considered pulling out of the Singapore event.

"Once I sign a contract, I plan to stick to my word," the world number 31 said.

"I'd like to have played in both tournaments and hopefully it will be corrected in years to come so I can play in the last couple of events of the European season."

With five players chasing the Harry Vardon trophy for winning the Order of Merit, Valderrama promises to provide an exciting conclusion to the season.

South Africa's Els leads the way, but he cannot affect the outcome as he too is playing in Singapore after refusing to break his contract to play there.

But his decision has opened the door for Harrington, Rose, Fasth and Stenson.

If Open champion Harrington finishes in the top three, he retains the title, while Rose knows he must finish higher than the Irishman inside the top 50 to take his first Order of Merit.

Sweden's Stenson knows that victory in Spain wins him the title if Harrington or Rose are not runners-up, while compatriot Fasth must win and hope that Harrington or Rose do not finish in the top three.

Rose is giving the tournament his fullest attention.

"I'm giving this the same preparation as I did for the majors this year," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I'm in an exciting situation although it's not one I necessarily expected to be in at the start of the year.

"Winning the Order of Merit wasn't one of my goals as I was only playing in 11 (European Tour) events, but it's proved if you play well in the right ones, you can do it.

"It is a huge bonus that the Order of Merit is even an option at this point and I'd love to make the most of it."

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