Poor start costs Westwood despite having benefit of calmer weather

The world No 2 and the favourite for his maiden major in many people’s eyes, found himself six off the lead at the end of day one after a one-over-par 71 that could have been a lot worse.

Westwood was three over through five and dropped to that mark again after three-putting the par-three 11th.

Wayward off the tee and off-key with his putting, the 38-year-old from Worksop was far from his best.

But he once again showed his battling qualities with a birdie on the 14th followed by a long putt for a three on the 15th that helped got him back to one over for the day.

“I didn’t get off to a great start, I didn’t have much luck on the greens,” said the 35-time winner around the world.

“We were lucky with the weather though. It was much easier in the afternoon.

“You don’t want to be chasing in major championships.

“My game’s in pretty good shape.

“Before the morning I’ll go and practice what I need to sharpen up but otherwise I’ll carry on playing the way I am.”

Westwood reserved special praise for young amateur Tom Lewis, who set Royal St George’s alight in the evening sunshine with four birdies in a row in a joint best-of-the-day 65, to sit alongside Thomas Bjorn.

“I’ve played with Tom before,” said Westwood, “He’s a good golfer.

“These days, amateur golf is a lot different to the amateur game when I grew up.

“There’s a lot of really good players out there and Tom is obviously one of them.”

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