European Order of Merit champion Lee Westwood has confirmed he may miss this year's US Masters because his wife Laurae is expecting their first child.

"The baby is due on the Saturday of the Masters and if it hasn't arrived by then I won't play," said the Englishman.

Westwood is playing the Dubai Desert Classic, only his second event of the year and first of the European Tour, after a 13-week rest.

Although he identified a major as his next target, the first of the season on 5-8 April now appears out of reach.

"It's our first child and babies are a higher priority than golf," he said.

Fully refreshed

"If it arrives early then I could go over a few days before it starts, we'll have to see.

"I haven't spoken to anyone at Augusta but I'm sure they'll be understanding."

Westwood won six tournaments last season en route to ending Colin Montgomerie's seven-year reign as Europe's best, but has yet to mount a serious challenge for a major.

"I'd like to defend the Order of Merit but after last year I suppose a major is the next thing," he said.

The 27-year-old said he felt fully refreshed after taking the longest break of his career.

"I just felt tired after last year, after the last four years really," he said.

"You need a break, not only to rest but to reflect on what you've done. I think it's good to do that."