Lee Westwood boasted about his ‘Sand Rat’ tag in quickly placing himself in contention on the opening day of the thunderstorm affected Shell Houston Open.
World No. 3 Westwood joined four players including Celtic Manor Ryder Cup rivals Steve Stricker and Rickie Fowler in posting four under par 68s on the Redstone course.
The duo ended their rounds shortly before a violent thunderstorm lashed the suburban Humble course resulting in local flash-flooding and of course, suspending play in the $US 6m event at 1.37pm local time.
Lee Westwood posts a 68 on day one of the thunderstorm affected Shell Houston Open. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
However with the rain lashing down officials then decided near 4.45pm to abandon any thought of resuming, and with players to resume their round at 7.30am Friday.
Former Masters champion Angel Cabrera and Sweden’s Carl Pettersson were the early leaders with seven under par 65s.
Westwood is a regular to Houston and is among 38 players who are also contesting next week’s Masters.
His opening round in this year’s event included five birdies and just one bogey.
On three occasions Westwood found himself in fairway bunkers and twice he managed to save par with his only dropped shot from a bunker at the fourth hole or the 13th of his round.
Westwood then reminded my Daily Mail colleague, Derek Lawrenson and myself that he’s currently lying second in the PGA Tour’s ‘Sand Saves’ category.
“I’m living up to my reputation as a ‘sand rat’ what with being so high up in saving par from bunkers,” said Westwood smiling.
“I played some nice trap shots today so that part of my game is in good order.
“I also had a lot of other short iron shots and it’s a nice feeling when you can walk up to short shots around the green thinking you can hole it like I nearly did at my 17th.
“I had a nice lie down the slope at the next and left of the flag and nearly holed that from 20 feet.
“But overall I am still a little rusty after a few weeks off but in saying that I am pretty happy with a 68.”
And Westwood was delighted with his grouping of Bradley and former U.S. Open winning, Graeme McDowell, who dropped a shot in thinning a bunker shot into water at the 17th on route to a bogey and a score of 70.
“It was a good three ball and I’ve played with G Mac often and a few times now with Keegan,” said Westwood.
“They’re good lads and Keegan has to be commended on how he’s improved his on course actions as it’s tough to change your routine.”
And walking with Westwood for the round was his trainer, Steve McGregor who rode the buggy back with Westwood on the long drive from the back of the ninth to the Redstone clubhouse.
