Westwood hits out after nightmare 77
British hope Lee Westwood last night launched a scathing attack on Oakland Hills after struggling to a seven-over-par 77 on the opening day of the US PGA Championship.
Westwood came into this final Major of the season with high hopes of success after his third place in the US Open and second place finish at last weekend’s WGC Bridgestone Invitational.
But after a nightmare birdie-free round yesterday, which included five bogeys and a double bogey, the 33-year-old was left far from happy.
Oakland Hills has undergone many changes since hosting the 2004 Ryder Cup with extra bunkers and heavier rough added to the par-70 course, as well as an extra 300 yards in length.
“I was happy to break 80 after being seven over after 12 holes,” Westwood said.
“Standing on the 17th tee I asked my caddie if he could hear the sea as well, as I am sure I could hear my holiday calling. But I dug in there. I didn’t do a lot wrong. The fairways are narrow and unfortunately if you miss the semi rough by a foot you are worse off than if you miss by 20 yards, which you need to take different people’s opinions on as to whether that is fair. You have to reward the accurate players like they did at the US Open. If you miss by a shot you have half a shot.”
Westwood wasn’t only player to suffer at the Detroit-based course as the rest of the field struggled to make par before bad weather brought a premature end to proceedings.
Sweden’s Robert Karlsson and India’s Jeev Milkha Singh both shot two-under-par 68s to take the clubhouse lead, while Spain’s Sergio Garcia lies a further shot behind at one-under.
World No2 and 2005 champion Phil Mickleson shot a steady level par 70, while double Open champion Padraig Harrington opened with three straight birdies before slipping back to level par after 14 holes when the rain came down.