Lee Westwood had a fantastic start at the US Senior Open with a first round score of 66.
He made four birdies, an eagle, and two bogeys, finishing four under par at Newport Country Club. This put him in T5, just three shots behind the leader.
Despite turning 50 in April 2023, Westwood is only now joining the senior ranks due to scheduling conflicts and his move to LIV Golf.
Westwood was asked if playing four rounds instead of three would be tough. He said it’s not about the number of holes but more about having to wear trousers instead of shorts. “I think I can manage it,” he commented on playing 72 holes. “It’s playing in trousers that’s bothering me more.”
Attire Rules:
Westwood prefers wearing shorts during practice because they are more comfortable, especially when it’s warm. He noted that many players feel the same way.
Fans might find this focus on attire amusing given his strong performance.
He’s aiming to follow in Richard Bland’s footsteps, who won the Senior PGA Championship on his debut. However, Westwood has been recovering from glandular fever recently and is just starting to feel better.
But now he’s back on track by playing more golf and staying fit during his time off. He’s even working on increasing his swing speed for better performance.
“This is a good time of year to play a few tournaments,” he said. “When I’m not at tournaments, I keep practicing.” He believes staying active helps him stay sharp without overdoing it since constant play isn’t good for his body anymore.
He focuses on gym work for flexibility and strength to prevent injuries while also trying to add power to his game. Last week he saw results with an increase in driving distance by 15 yards.
What do you think about Lee’s comments on wearing trousers?
