Westwood has tough task against Big Easy

Lee Westwood is on course to face Ernie Els in the first round of the Accenture Matchplay championship in California next week.

The event features the top 64 players in the world rankings as of today.

The draw is then made in ranking order with world number one Tiger Woods paired with 64th-ranked former USPGA champion Rich Beem.

That means world number three Els should play Westwood, who is ranked 62, barring any late withdrawals.

Brian Davis’ reward for winning the ANZ Championship in Australia on Sunday to secure his place in the field is a clash with Europe’s highest ranked player, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington.

Another Irishman, world number 12 Darren Clarke, who won the title in 2000 by beating Tiger Woods in the 36-hole final, is drawn against Tim Herron while possible Ryder Cup team-mates Ian Poulter and Thomas Bjorn are paired together.

If players withdraw before next Wednesday’s first round the next player in the rankings is invited to take their place.

Other eye-catching ties see Justin Rose take on a rejuvenated Phil Mickelson and Colin Montgomerie face Ryder Cup rival David Toms.

Montgomerie and Toms were the top points scorers on their respective teams at The Belfry in September 2002, although the Scot has since slipped down the rankings to his current position of 55.

Paul Casey, runner-up to Davis when defending his title at the weekend and England’s top ranked player at 27th, is scheduled to face American veteran Fred Funk.