Soar Point

Westwood backs the new ‘bonus’ Ryder Cup system ..even though it may cost him a shot at 11th appearance

- Neil Squires

Lee Westwood is backing Padraig Harrington’s shake-up of Europe’s Ryder Cup qualifying system – despite the fact that it could cost him a fairytale recall at Whistling Straits.

Westwood, who will be 48 when the contest takes place in September, was among the automatic qualifiers when the process was frozen last March. But from the European Tour’s restart tomorrow, when Westwood will defend the Abu Dhabi Championship, all points earned will count extra after a request from Europe’s captain.

“Padraig has taken the decision to change the points system. It’s more like a bonus system – the closer you get to the Ryder Cup the more points you pay for,” said Westwood.