Lee Westwood made a weighty statement when he defeated Colin Montgomerie to win the World Matchplay title at Wentworth.

Not only did the Englishman hammer another nail into the Scot's bid to win an eighth successive European Order of Merit, he also sent a firm message to the critics who have constantly slammed him for being too fat to be a major force on the world stage.

There is no doubt that Westwood possesses bucket-loads of talent, but there are plenty of pundits only to willing to argue that he could be an even bigger threat to the likes of Tiger Woods and Ernie Els if he only trimmed a few pounds of his considerable frame.

They may be right, but the 27-year-old from Worksop is having none of it. He insists he will continue to shun the gym and says that his weight is not a factor in his campaign for world domination.

Strength-sapping

He only has to point to his win at Wentworth, which came at the end of a strength-sapping three days, as well as his other five wins on the European Tour this season as proof that he is treading the right path.

"I played strongly at the end and made a lot of birdies, so that shows I've got the stamina," he said. "I'm a big lad but a physically strong lad. I just carry a few extra pounds just to get me round in case I'm marooned on a desert island."

He may joke about it now but a few months back Westwood did not regard his physical condition as a laughing matter.

He certainly did not see the funny side when, on the eve of The Open at St Andrew's, he was accused of neglecting his fitness by David Duval.

Westwood's response was curt and to the point. "If I wanted to be an athlete I would have taken up 400m running," he said. "I don't like to think of myself as an athlete. I'm a professional golfer."

But Duval was insistent. "I'm sorry he (Westwood) thinks that way," said the American, who prides himself on being one of the fittest golfers on the professional circuit.

Longevity

"Obviously I think differently. I think that fitness adds a lot to longevity. I think it can be beneficial to prevention of injuries.

"Our sport is like any other in that the participants are certainly going to continue becoming bigger, stronger and faster."

Westwood has since backed up his words with actions, winning a total of six events on the European Tour this season as well as a tournament in South Africa.