Lee Westwood Confident Ahead Of Title Defence

Lee Westwood has revealed that confidence is high as be prepares to defend his St Jude Classic title.

It's the final preparation tournament before the U.S. Open and Westwood admits that he is playing well and is feeling confident.

However he has seen his efforts eclipsed by fellow Brit Luke Donald - who has replaced him at the top of the world rankings.

Speaking to Reuters Westwood said: "I've been playing pretty well.

"Confidence is high, and I'm looking forward to playing this week the way I've been playing recently. It should be a good couple of weeks."

And despite being only a week away from the second major of the year Westwood likes to play close to a major to get his competitive juices flowing.

"It's a priority for me to try to come and defend whenever I can, and I like to play the week before a Major championship. I just like to be competitive.

"I like to have that feeling of needing to make three and four-footers on the green and that extra pressure ... before a major championship just so if it happens the following week you're accustomed to it and it's happened recently."

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw