• St Jude Classic, Round One

Westwood puts on a masterclass at St Jude

Lee Westwood required just 24 putts © Getty Images

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Lee Westwood sent out an ominous message to the other contenders for the US Open title by claiming the clubhouse lead on day one at the St Jude Classic.

The world No. 3 carded a seven-under 63 in the final PGA Tour event prior to the start of the year's second Major at Pebble Beach on June 17.

Westwood looked at the peak of his form as he tied the course record for the back nine - he started on the tenth tee - by shooting a 29.

His round was less eventful after the turn - one birdie, then eight consecutive pars - but his putting stayed in imperious form throughout, as he required a mere 24 across his 18 holes.

"I wanted to come the week before the U.S. Open because I like to be competitive the week before a major," Westwood said. "Being competitive means more to me than adapting to the conditions. I like getting used to making those 3 and 4-footers when you need to."

Padraig Harrington, playing in his first PGA Tour event since the Masters, carded a bogey-free 65 to end the day in third, one stroke behind Casey Wittenberg. It was a welcome return to form for Harrington at St Jude, where he has missed the cut twice in the last three years.

Rory McIlroy built on his top-ten finish at the Memorial Tournament last week by firing a 69 that leaves him at one under, alongside Greg Owen. McIlroy's short game was in fine fettle - and it had to be, because he hit less than half of his fairways from the tee.

It was a day to forget for Ian Poulter, who capitulated on the back nine after reaching the turn in a three-under 32. He recorded five bogeys between holes 12 and 17, leaving him well off the pace at two over. Poulter's approach work was untypically wayward as his round went on, meaning he consistently put huge pressure on himself to drain awkward puts.

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