Westwood is ready to defend his title

Lee Westwood was oozing confidence today as he prepared to defend his title at the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

Westwood was Europe's jointtop points scorer in last month's Ryder Cup triumph, and said: "My game is certainly improving all the time.

"I am flying at the moment, as I am sure everybody on the team is. The Ryder Cup has given all of us plenty of confidence."

Ernie Els, up to No2 on the world rankings, is also in confident mood and has not even felt the need to practise much on the three courses - St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns - after winning the American Express Championship in Ireland at the weekend.

He said: "I have not practised them all because I only got in on Tuesday. I have played 18 holes of the Old Course but I have played St Andrews so many times so I know it quite well."