Westwood and Clarke to play in Seve Trophy

Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler has confirmed that Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke will both compete in the Vivendi Seve Trophy in Paris this month.

Rory McIlroy ruled himself out earlier this week citing a need to rest before embarking on 12-week run where he is on the road.

It will mark Westwood's fourth appearance in the competition but his first since 2003 when tees off at St Nom la Breteche in France.

British Open champion, Darren Clarke will forgo commitments in Scotland on the 18th September to play for Paul McGinley's GB & Ireland team.

Chandler said: "I know Darren was worried about breaking promises but we've organised a private jet straight from France to Edinburgh after the Vivendi, so he shouldn't be too late for the Sunday evening function at Archerfield."

It is also thought Paul Casey will confirm his attendance soon having missed out on the cut for the FedEx Cup Playoff series on the US Tour.

Casey is lying fourth in the points table and indicated at the USPGA Championship last month that he wants to be in France to honour Ballesteros' memory.

The news will come as a big lift to Jose Maria Olazabal who revealed he had written to all 10 current qualifiers, and those on the fringes, asking them to play.

Olazabal said: "I wrote to all the players who look like qualifying asking them if they would consider playing not only because we need them competing but also as this year it's very much a tribute to Seve."