You can’t count us out, say Brit stars

LEE WESTWOOD and Luke Donald came out firing at the Masters yesterday after a prestigious American magazine claimed that Rory Mcilroy versus Tiger Woods was ‘the only story in golf’.

Sports Illustrated depicted the season’s first major as a two-man show and the front cover of Golf World featured Woods and Mcilroy in prize-fighting gear, hailing this week’s Masters as the start of a new rivalry. Westwood retorted: ‘I think they’ll find Rory has never won here and Tiger’s not won here since 2005, so anybody would have to be naive to think this tournament is going to be a two-horse race. ‘I think Phil (Mickelson, the three-time Masters winner) might have a little bit of something to say about that. Luke might, and I might.’ Donald, the world No 1, added: ‘I think as players we have come to expect this because everyone wants to make this kind of rivalry. ‘But you only have to look at what has happened in the majors in recent years to see that it has been far from the case of one or two

players being dominant. We’re currently on a run where the last 13 majors have been won by different players and there’s a lot more who will believe they can keep that run going this week.’ Indeed, Woods could keep that run going himself since it is now almost four years since he won his 14th and, to date, last major. Donald poked gentle fun at the idea of being written off. ‘It’s only one or two stories, isn’t it?’ he said, smiling. ‘I’m still a decent number at the bookies, aren’t I?’ The Englishman, a 16-1 shot, was one of a number of players who had a chance of winning last year, before Charl Schwartzel put together his history-making finish of four consecutive birdies to win. ‘After what I’ve achieved over the past 12 months I feel I’m a more confident player coming here this year,’ said Donald.