Lee Westwood pleased with US Open first round 67
Last Updated: 17/06/16 4:52pm
Lee Westwood made a great start to his latest quest for a maiden major, firing a three-under-par 67 at the US Open at Oakmont.
US Open leaderboard
The 43-year-old followed up a fabulous performance at the Masters, where he finished in a tie for second spot, with another impeccable round just outside Pittsburgh to sit just a shot behind early first round leader Andrew Landry.
Having contended in all four of the majors at some stage, it is the US Open, with it's tough set-up, that has long been touted as Westwood's best chance to win a major.
His tie for second with Jordan Spieth at Augusta extended his unwanted record of most top-three finishes in major championships without a victory to nine.
But he put himself in a great position to improve on a best finish of third at the year's second major with a three-under-par 67, his lowest opening round in 17 US Open appearances.
"I've been playing well and was really looking forward to coming back to Oakmont," said Westwood, who finished in a tie for 36th when the event was last played at the course.
"I had a good experience here last time and I like a challenge. I picked up where I left off at the Masters and the last three events [which produced three top-15 finishes] and I'm very pleased to make a good start. You don't want to
shoot a lot over par and have to chase.
"The Masters gave me a big boost. I had not contended in a big tournament for a while so it was nice to give myself a chance and feel those emotions again.
"I've had more chances [to win a major] at the Masters and the Open, but if I look at my game, the US Open should suit me more than the others."
Shane Lowry also set himself up for a good week, the 29-year-old is just a shot behind Westwood after completing a 68 with birdies on the 14th and 17th.
Lowry has often made an impressive start to the majors but admits getting into serious contention has proved difficult.
"I've just not been able to put four rounds together and I don't know the reason for that," said Lowry who also began the Masters with a round of 68.
"Weeks like this I tend to get my head around it. I know it's going to be tough golf and you are going to miss greens and make bogeys so maybe when I am like that I can accept bogeys a little easier."
