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Danny Willett, Lee Westwood to represent England at World Cup of Golf

Golf

Masters champion Danny Willett and Lee Westwood will represent England in the World Cup of Golf at Kingston Heath in Melbourne.

As the highest-ranked English player to commit to the two-man team event from Nov. 23-27, Willett had the right to choose his partner and opted for the man who finished second behind him at Augusta in April.

Scotland will be represented by Russell Knox and his former Jacksonville University teammate Duncan Stewart, the world No.392 who won his first tournament on the Challenge Tour earlier this year.

Willett, who finished 37th in the Olympics in Rio on Sunday, said: "It's always great to represent your country. You don't get the chance to do it too often so I'm excited about playing the World Cup.

"I was at Royal Melbourne in 2013 and although I didn't play as well as I would've liked, it was a cracking course and I've heard Kingston Heath is just as good.

"It's a different format this time so I'm really looking forward to playing with Westy. He's played in nine Ryder Cups and has unbelievable experience of foursomes and fourballs, so I couldn't have picked a better partner."

Westwood, 43, who has surprisingly never played in the World Cup before, added: "Over the past couple of years Danny has shown what he's capable of and I've got no doubt he's going to prove a great partner, so I'm looking forward to pairing up with him.

"I've always enjoyed team golf. It's an exciting format and it adds to the occasion when you're playing for your country, so hopefully we can bring the trophy home with us."

Knox, who is a strong contender for a Ryder Cup wild card after winning the Travelers Championship earlier this month, said: "I can't wait.

"I've never been to Australia so it was super exciting to get the chance to go there. I've heard the golf course is one of the best in the world so it will be fun. To represent Scotland is obviously a dream come true."

The last World Cup in 2013 featured a team and individual competition, with world No.1 Jason Day winning the individual title and combining with Adam Scott to claim team victory as well.

Day and Scott will again represent Australia in November, although the 2016 tournament reverts back to a 72-hole team event. Teams will play in foursomes on the first and third days of competition and in fourballs on the second and fourth.

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