Lee Westwood got off to a fast start at Newport CC, and when asked about his ability to complete 72 holes, he replied nonchalantly.
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NEWPORT, RI – Lee Westwood is making his US Senior Open debut this week – and he picked a great place to do it. Newport Country Club, a classic seaside course on the southern tip of Rhode Island, will host the 44th edition of the tournament, and the players are giving positive reviews.
Although this Top 100 song is from the 1800s, it provides a solid review — and a lot of history. Newport CC was among the five founding member clubs of the USGA, and hosted the first US Open and US Amateur, back in 1895. Although the scores are not as high as they were in the late 19th century, the course has plenty of teeth – especially in the wind.
Fortunately for Westwood, the wind wasn't a big factor during his opening. Teeing off at 8:24 am, the sea breeze didn't kick in until the last few holes. By then, he was already in the middle of a solid round when he turned in a 4-under 66.
“I would think these are the best scoring conditions we will have all week,” said Westwood. “It wasn't that windy until the last five, six holes. It lay down and was there for the taking early.”
For many golf fans, this is the first glimpse of the 51-year-old they've had in a long time. Since defecting from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit in 2022, Westwood has not played on the PGA Tour. In May of 2023, he also resigned from his DP World Tour membership. Outside of the LIV show, he's made a few appearances at Asian Tour events, but he's far from the global name he once was.
However, in the opening round at Newport CC, Westwood showed he still has a lot of game left. With four birdies and an eagle (against just two bogeys), the former World No. 1 finds himself inside the top 10 in his US Senior Open debut. And after battling the flu last year, he says he finally feels like the Westwood of old.
“It takes time to get out of your system,” she said. “I just started feeling better in the last few months. Yeah, there's no reason now.”
Most run-of-the-mill top tour events (and tournaments at LIV Golf) are only 54 holes. But in the US Senior Open, the USGA uses 72 holes to determine the champion. One reporter jokingly asked if a 51-year-old recovering from the flu could survive 72 holes this week. For that, Westwood had the perfect answer.
“It's playing with my pants that makes me feel bad,” said Westwood. (LIV Golf allows players to wear shorts during competition). “I am a well-rounded athlete as you can see. You know, really rubbish. Seventy-two holes will not be a problem. As I say, she looks down and sees her legs in pants. I'd rather take my legs out.”
If Westwood continues to play like they did on Thursday, they will have a good chance to walk away with the title at the end of the week.
If he can survive 72 holes in his pants, that is.
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