Duval, who himself has undergone a fitness regime, believes that staying in good shape would be beneficial for a golfer - however Worksop's Lee Westwood dismissed the suggestion.

"If I wanted to be an athlete I would have taken up 400metre running. I don't like to think of myself as an athlete, I'm a professional golfer," said Westwood, who is 15 stones according to the European Tour media guide but has won his last two tournaments.

But Duval is adamant that Westwood is wrong in his attitude.

"I am sorry he thinks that way. Obviously I think differently," said Duval.

"I think the fitness adds a lot to longevity. I think it can be beneficial to prevention of injuries. I believe that the golf swing is a very athletic movement.

"I don't think there's any question if we play in 100-degree heat that come Sunday afternoon I'm not going to be as tired as someone who is overweight and out of shape.

"No, we are not running and it is not jumping hurdles and doing these types of things, but it can matter I think in the end. I thought it would be beneficial for me in the long run in golf.

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