‘It’s rubbish’ – Lee Westwood dismisses possible LIV Golf problem in major bid

Lee Westwood’s first attempt at a major senior tournament got off to a flying start on Thursday.

The former world number 1 shot a four-under-par 66 on his debut at Newport Country Club after hitting the right side of the board.

Having left at 8.24am, the Englishman admitted to playing in what he considered to be “the best scoring conditions” the players will have all week. Rhode Island.

Westwood has also been able to capitalise on his good health. After the first round, the 51-year-old insisted he had “no excuses” now that he has overcome glandular fever.

“At one point I had glandular fever and that’s why I felt really bad for a few months,” Westwood said.

“It takes time to get out of your system. I just started feeling good these last few months.

• Charley Hull skipped training for the most understandable reason

• LIV Golf stars at risk of being cut for 2025 season

Health aside, Westwood was asked if playing 72 holes would be a problem this week – given that LIV Golf events are played over three days and 54 holes.

But that’s the least of Westwood’s worries.

“I think I can do it,” he said. “No, I’m a very well-prepared athlete, as you can see. You know, it really sucks, 72 holes won’t be a problem.”

Instead, playing in pants is causing the former Ryder Cup star even more grief, but Westwood says it would take more than him to bring about that change on tour.

• LIV Golf suffers major blow as streaming partner closes

• Lee Westwood aims to improve the pace of play of “youngsters”

“It’s playing in pants that bothers me the most,” Westwood joked. “It’s looking down and seeing my legs in pants. I prefer to stick my legs out.

“If you notice most guys wear shorts to practice. You can see how comfortable a lot of people are, especially when it’s a little warm, putting on shorts.

So far, so good for Westwood. He survived temperatures reaching 27 degrees at the Newport seaside yesterday.

Now it’s time to try and catch up with early leaders Hiroyuki Fujita and Richard Green, who have equalised their lead with -7.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, responsible for covering all the latest news, tour updates, local content and much more. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his bucket list is a round of Pebble Beach… ideally with Gareth Bale.