Thursday 3 November 2016 15:56, UK
Lee Westwood has described his start to the Turkish Airlines Open as “an embarrassment” after an up-and-down opening round in Antalya.
The 2009 Race to Dubai winner made a fast start and fired four birdies over his front nine, but stuttered after the turn to post a one-under 70 and slip six strokes adrift of early leader George Coetzee.
An over-hit approach and fluffed chip lead to a double-bogey at the 10th, before a gain at the 12th was cancelled out by a bogey-five at the next.
The world No 45 responded by almost holing his tee-shot at the 14th, leaving a kick-in birdie, but dropped a shot at the 15th and missed a close-range putt to save par at the 17th.
Westwood has started to work with sports psychologist and former snooker professional Chris Henry to improve his game, although he pulled no punches in his assessment of his opening round.
"I hit it awful at the range and then hit it awful all 18 holes there," Westwood told Sky Sports. "It was an absolute embarrassment from tee to green.
"I'm working on my routine and I'm doing that on the putting green and in practice rounds. Hopefully that will transfer to the tournament rounds."
Ryder Cup team mate Danny Willett is a further shot up the leaderboard after a final-hole birdie closed an opening-round 69.
Willett lost top spot in the Race to Dubai standings to Henrik Stenson after a poor display at last week's WGC-HSBC Champions, but was left encouraged by his start in Turkey.
"I thought my iron play and wedges were spot on," Willett told Sky Sports. "I'm still struggling to get the consistency and the flight off the tee.
"I hit a few good ones, just a couple that cost me a few silly shots and you saw a couple of small errors. It's a lot better than what it has been."
Watch the Turkish Airlines Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Live coverage begins on Friday from 9am. Or watch the whole tournament with a NOW TV week pass - £10.99, no contract.
