Westwood glad of chance to relax

Lee Westwood is grateful to have done some early homework at Pebble Beach ahead of this week's US Open after earning some down time with his St Jude Classic victory on Sunday.

Westwood, 37, played the US Open venue on California's Pacific coast on the Sunday and Monday of the week before his win in Memphis and that experience has allowed him to relax and recharge his batteries ahead of the year's second major.

"The week was a little draining with the temperature it gets to here, but because I've been to Pebble Beach and done most of my preparation, I can take it easy with that for the next three days and build up my fitness and stamina for when the tournaments kicks off on Thursday," Westwood said.

"I can take it pretty easy the next few days."

Westwood had been playing on a sponsors' invitation in Memphis and he said the victory, his first since his maiden PGA Tour win at the 1998 Freeport-McDermott Classic in New Orleans, was a reward for all parties.

"I like being competitive before a major championship, to be competitive with the tournament and boost my confidence," he said.

"And when you get an invite, it's always nice to back that invite with a good result.

"At the end of the week, if I played well, it feels like it means a bit more because I've given the sponsor hopefully what he wants for giving me an invite. Much appreciated."