Lee Westwood is not setting himself any targets at The Open, though he was delighted with a strong start at Royal Portrush.

Westwood, making his first major appearance in three years, finished with a two-under 69, finishing his opening stint with a par on a rain-affected course.

The 52-year-old is two shots behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Thomas yet to post a first-round score.

Westwood finished fourth when The Open was held at this venue six years ago, but is focused on enjoying the event rather than lifting the Claret Jug at the moment.

“I haven't come in with any targets – just to enjoy myself,” said Westwood.

“I only decided to qualify three weeks ago and then did well at Dundonald having never played the course before. The reason I did that was I love Portrush and I love The Open.

“It was enjoyable until the rain came down – then got testing and miserable! But I've thoroughly enjoyed being back here. Portrush remains playable even when the conditions are tough. It is a fantastically well designed golf course.

“It's as fair a links test as you can get. Fairways are fairly flat. It almost tells you where to hit it and it changes so much when conditions change.

“It's nice to not be playing indoor golf all the time and just hitting it to a yardage – it's nice to be able to use some creativity.”

A birdie on seven and Lee Westwood moves to three-under. pic.twitter.com/YnBslLJJP4
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2025

Northern Ireland native and 2011 Open champion Darren Clarke endured a difficult opening round in the rain, though.

He finished on four over par, needing a big recovery on Friday to maintain any hopes of another title at the event.

Clarke told BBC Sport NI: “Four over wasn't what I was hoping for. In my practice I was hitting the ball nicely, putting nicely and doing everything well, but that's golf. Today it didn't quite happen.

“On the front nine I hit shots that wouldn't make you think I was a member here. I was missing them in the wrong places and it's like 'what am I doing?'.

“Just stupid mistakes, but the chip in on 17 was a huge bonus and it was nice to do something good and positive for the day.

“I just need to play well tomorrow.”