HOLDER Lee Westwood made a blistering start in yesterday's Andalucia Open first round with a flawless seven-under-par 65 to secure an early one-stroke lead.
Westwood's excellent opening was almost overshadowed, though, by 20-year-old Danny Willett.
The European Tour debutant, ranked the world's top amateur by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, could have shared the lead with his fellow Briton but fo
r a bogey at his final hole. Two eagles helped Willett tie for second place on 66 with Norwegian Jan-Are Larsen.
Westwood reeled off seven birdies as he improved on his opening round of 2007 by seven strokes. The 2000 European No1, riding high in third spot on this year's order of merit, is pleased his game is in good shape with the US Masters looming in two weeks' time.
Westwood said he had taken every step to ensure it was, including going through a video putting session with his father and coach John on Tuesday.
"I'm playing with a lot of freedom at the moment and a 65 shows I've got a lot of confidence," said the Ryder Cup stalwart.
"I used a similar game-plan to last year but my game's always a work in progress. I've got a few things I'm working on with one eye on the Masters."
Willett's recent Spanish Amateur title triumph impressed the tournament sponsors enough to hand out an invitation to the youngster, and he took immediate advantage by eagling his first hole. "I was quite nervous for my first European Tour event," said the Englishman. "There was quite a bit of pressure to try to play well because of the invitation.
"The eagle took a lot of first-hole nerves away and relieved the pressure. I just enjoyed myself then."
Willett is planning to try for his professional card at the end of the year but said he would leave the amateur ranks instantly if he won on Sunday – as did Spain's Pablo Martin did after his victory at last year's Portuguese Open.
"I'd have 14 days to decide but the thought of the (tour] exemption would be too much of a temptation," said Willett.
Scotland's Peter Whiteford opened with a 73, while Scott Drummond was two shots further back. Further down the field, Marc Warren had a 76, Andrew Oldcorn and David Dixon had 77s and Paul Lawrie a 78.
The full article contains 403 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
