Lee Westwood has dismissed concerns that the 72-hole format at this week's U.S. Senior Open could be a challenge for him, given his recent stint in LIV Golf's three-round tournaments.
The English golfing ace is making his debut in a senior major championship, taking centre stage among the top names at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. Westwood made quite the entrance on Thursday, carding a four-under-par 66 to kick off the tournament.
Westwood's stellar performance included four birdies and an eagle, offset by two bogeys, placing him in a tie for fifth place at four-under. He sits just three strokes behind leaders Hiroyuki Fujita and Richard Green after the first round.
Since joining LIV Golf in June 2022, Westwood has been absent from the PGA Tour due to suspension and later resigned from the DP World Tour amidst penalties for participating in conflicting events, racking up fines totalling £850,000 in the process.
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Despite the lack of 72-hole competitions in the LIV Golf series, Westwood is confident that the longer format won't hinder him at the U.S. Senior Open. When questioned about potential difficulties with the 72-hole setup, Westwood issued a two-word firm response by replying: "That's rubbish" before then adding: "72 holes won't be a problem."
he also joked about having to compete in trousers for the first time since his move to the Saudi league. "I think I can manage it," he said. "It's playing in trousers that's bothering me more. Like I say, it's looking down and seeing my legs in trousers. I prefer to get my legs out."
He was then questioned if this particular change should be implemented for this week's event. Westwood responded by saying: "Take more than me, wouldn't it? If you notice most of the guys wear shorts in practice. You can see how many people are comfortable, especially when it gets a bit warm putting a pair of shorts on."
Westwood hasn't been exhibiting his best form since he joined forces with Greg Norman and LIV Golf, but recently he showed signs of returning to his old game during last week's event in Nashville. He finished joint third in LIV's ninth event of the season, ending 12-under across three rounds.
Analysing his recent upturn in form, Westwood explained: "Just playing a bit more I think and just having a run of a few weeks where I've not put the golf clubs down altogether.
"This is a good time of year to play a few tournaments. When I'm not at tournaments, keep my eye in, do a bit of practice. Weather is getting a bit better in England so green conditions are a bit better and that makes me want to practice.
"Yeah, that's basically it. Just that sharpens me up. Always played well and been sharper when I've not gone home and put the clubs away. It's a balancing act. I don't want to play all the time now and I can't play all the time. It's just not good for my body."
