Peter Cowan looks to get Lee Westwood sorted out after the World No. 1's first round 73

World No. 1 Lee Westwood headed straight for the Doha practice range after a 73 on day one of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

Westwood recorded three birdies but four bogeys in very windy conditions that lashed the 2022 World Cup host city during the first round of the $US 2.5m event.

“Lee was have a bit of trouble in his weight transfer out there today, so he’s going to spend a little time sorting that out,” said long-tiime coach, Peter Cowan.

Westwood returned to competition after week’s break and needing to finish higher than 22nd place this week, and not have Martin Kaymer finish either first or second, to be assured of staying No.1 ahead of next week’s Dubai Desert Classic where the former long-time No. 1, Tiger Woods is competing.

However after being World No. 1 for just three months, Westwood said he could sympathise with Woods who remained atop of the rankings unchallenge for 281 weeks.

“I have been World No. 1 for 12 or 13 weeks now, and I can see why Tiger played such a limited schedule over all of those years,” said Westwood.

“I’m not saying that I’m the profile that he is, but I’ve had little glimpses into how demanding it can be to be world No. 1. I have great appreciation for it now.

“There’s not only added demands from the media but from everywhere really.

“You get recognized by the public more, media, everybody wants to talk to you, which is fair enough.

“Then there’s requests from people want you to play in their tournaments, as they’re obviously keen for to you play in their tournaments and there are just demands from everywhere really.

“But first and foremost, you have to look after your game.

“So basically I just end up saying ‘No’ to lot to lots of people. So while there’s a lot more requests on time and stuff like that, you just have to be a bit harsh at times and there just aren’t enough hours in the day.”