Lee Westwood has said he has enjoyed a two-week break from golf and thinks his recent ankle injury will withstand the test of this week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational (Westwood 14/1 – Outright).

The Englishman has an opportunity to go to the top of the world rankings this week when he goes head-to-head with Tiger Woods in the first round at Firestone Country Club.

Westwood is aware that he will reach number one in the standings if he wins the WGC event this week and Woods finishes outside the top two.

The world number three could also take top spot if he finishes second, Woods (5/6 to win his 2-ball v Westwood) is worse than ninth and Phil Mickelson does not take the title.

There are lots of ifs and buts, but Westwood is feeling fresh going into the tournament in which he claimed a top-10 finish in 2009.

When asked about his preparations, the Worksop man admitted: “I’ve hardly hit a ball. I’ve just been trying to rest up and keep the rehab going and trying not to do too much. I haven’t played much golf. I’m under prepared really but still could play well.”

Westwood (18/1 to be 1st round leader) starts his first round 2-ball with Woods at 1:50pm (6:50pm BST), while world number two Mickelson will play alongside Rory McIlroy at 9:50am (2:50pm BST).