Westwood on top in Andalucia
Lee Westwood, the Andalucia Open defending champion, got the defence of his title off to a blinding start as he fired a seven-under par 65 at the Aloha Golf Club. Westwood secured the 17th European Tour victory of his career on Spain's south coast last year and was delighted with his opening round display.
Danny Willett, the world's number one ranked amateur, and Norwegian Jan-Are Larsen are Westwood's closest pursuers after the opening 18 holes of the four-day tournament, although some competitiors - including Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy - are looking to close the gap on the leaders before the end of the day's play.
Willett, who won the Spanish Amateur Championship earlier this year, marked his European Tour debut with two eagles in his opening seven holes and finished on six under par 66, a score that Larsen later matched.
But Westwood was happy to have given himself a confidence boost ahead of the Masters, which starts on April 10.
"I've got one eye on the Masters, but I didn't fancy another two-week stint in the States and nothing beats winning for confidence," said Westwood.
"I'm pleased with the way I'm hitting the ball, although my game is always a work in progress and there are a few things I'm working on at the moment. Defending the title is important - I always like to go back and defend."
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