Lee Westwood delivered European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley another reminder of his Gleneagles worth in grabbing a share of the lead on the opening day of the 96th PGA Champioship at Valhalla.

Four days after signing for a final Bridgestone Invitational 63 and the eight-time Ryder Cup capped Westwood has backed up that effort with a blistering six under par 65 in sauna-like conditions in suburban Louisville, Kentucky.

“I played well all day,” said Westwood in a round that included nine birdies, a bogey and a double at the par-four first, his 10th hole of the day.

“I got off to a nice, steady start.  Hit a lot of good shots. Hit a lot of fairways. Putted very nicely and just really carried on from the final round last week. It was a good round of golf.”

Lee Westwood storms to a share of the lead with a 65 on the first day of the PGA Championship. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

And after sharing 19th place with his fourth round 63 last week in Ohio, Westwood is quietly confident of earning a 10th European Team cap.

“Last week was a big week for me,” said the 41-year-old.

“Going into last week, I felt like I turned the corner. I was starting to swing it a lot better.

“There’s no good unless you start converting it into low rounds. The first three rounds were frustrating, because I played a lot better than three over par. Then obviously I got it going the final day, shot 63.

“Then obviously tried to keep it low key in the practice rounds (at Valhalla), carry that momentum through to the first round, which I’ve managed to do, made nine birdies.”

Westwood was also delighted to boost his chances of qualifying automatically for the European Ryder Cup team, instead of having to rely on being one of McGinley’s three wildcard picks.

“I wouldn’t be a million miles away with a good week this week,” he said.

“That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m still trying to qualify for the team to free up a pick for Paul. I don’t want to rely on a pick.

“I always think that there comes a bit more pressure if you’re a selection, as well, obviously, because you’ve got to try and sort of justify your pick almost. And I don’t want to be in that position.”

The top nine in the points list at the end of this month qualify automatically for Europe’s title defence against the United States in Scotland, with McGinley then completing his 12-man team with three captain’s choices.

Westwood has slipped to 34th in the world after riding high at the top of the rankings three years ago, and sits seven spots of automatic qualification via the European world points list.

“I’ve had chats with Paul and he said, ‘You know, try and show some form.’ I’m leading a major this week, so I’m ticking that box for him,” said Westwood.

“And I think he probably looks back at my record and sees that I’ve played eight, so knows that I’ve got a fair amount of experience in Ryder Cups.”