Ryder Cup Betting / Ralph Ellis / 16 September 2008 /

Europe's most experienced Ryder Cyp player is fired up for Valhalla and has the history books in his sights, says Ralph Ellis.

I've got three great memories of Valderrama in 1997. The first was of how it rained, gallons of the stuff pouring from a grey Spanish sky and turning roads into rivers as the Scirocco winds blew bad weather from Africa. The second was of standing ten yards behind Constantina Rocca on the 16th as he shaped an amazing shot through a gap in the trees that seemed to stop in the air like a cartoon, and turn right before landing on the green to beat Tiger Woods. The third was of seeing a starry eyed kid called Lee Westwood lapping up the excitement of his first Ryder Cup.

Some 11 years later Westwood, then the rookie under Nick Faldo's wing, will be one of Europe's most senior players as the team arrive in Valhalla this week - his turn to help guide a new boy through the experience. And he's been telling the Daily Express this morning of his ambitions to repay Faldo for the help he got back then - by stealing his place as Europe's all-time greatest points scorer.

"I'd love to get past his total, it would be a lovely record to hold," he says. "I've only played five - Nick played 11 - and I've been undefeated in the last two. I just want to get more points because our team keeps getting stronger and stronger every time."

Westwood actually helped Faldo nudge past Billy Casper's record at Valderrama, sliding home a 10-foot birdie putt to beat Justin Leonard and Jeff Maggert. "Nick sent me a nice photograph afterwards saying 'thanks for putt-ing me in the record books,'" revealed Westwood.

Now it's his turn to be in the books in his own right - he would actually equal Arnold Palmer's record of 12 consecutive points if he wins his first two matches, and he's clearly fired for the challenge. At [7.8] he looks great value to be Europe's top points scorer, and [13.5] to be the overall top scorer looks an appealing bet too.

For a start he's likely to play both foursomes and fourballs on both the first two days, which gives him the biggest possible chance of a big return. And the role looking after a rookie will clearly wipe away any lingering disappointment that his favourite partner Darren Clarke won't be around this time.

"If the captain wants me to play with a newcomer I will," he says. I have seen just about all there is to see at Ryder Cups and I know what to expect. With Monty not around I'll be the one who has played the most Ryder Cups so I will be happy to take on that role. It's not a burden, it's an honour and a responsibility to be seen as an experienced player who people can glean some knowledge off."

At 35 Westwood has gone through the stages of a top sportsman's career. He was the bright young prospect, then faded as he counted his early money and enjoyed becoming a dad. Now he's settled back to give his all to making the most from his talent again - and after just missing out on a major at the US Open could be just the man to lead the way for Europe this weekend.

Five things you might not know about Lee Westwood

1. He had never played golf before his 13th birthday when his grandparents bought him half a set as a present. His Dad started at the same time

2. Within two years he had become Nottinghamshire junior champion

3. His first hole in one in professional play was in the British Masters in 2003 - he hit another later that year at the German Masters for which he won a 1kg gold bar

4. He's lost six inches off his waistline since starting work with fitness consultant Stephen McGregor two years ago

5. He has never been rested from a session in his five Ryder Cup appearances so far

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