Lee Westwood has rubbished claims that competing over 72 holes may well pose a problem at this week's U.S. Senior Open, having played three-round tournaments for some time over on LIV Golf.

Westwood is in a senior major championship field for the very first time this week, starring as one of the marque names at the event at Newport Country Club, Rhode Island. The Englishman kicked off his event in impressive fashion on Thursday, with a four-under-par 66 in round one. The former world No.

1's impressive start in Newport saw him make four birdies and an eagle, alongside two bogeys, to leave him in a tie for fifth at four-under, three shots behind early pace-setters Hiroyuki Fujita and Richard Green. READ MORE: Lee Westwood confirms stance on £850,000 fine after joining LIV Golf READ MORE: LIV Golf pair among three big-name stars to watch at U.S.

Senior Open Since making the move to LIV Golf in June 2022, Westwood has not featured on the PGA Tour having been suspended by the American-based circuit. A year later he then opted to resign his membership from the DP World Tour, having been handed fines and suspensions for competing in conflicting events. Having firmly settled into life on the LIV setup, Westwood has been starved of 72-hole golf, but competing over four rounds is clearly not an issue for the European star.

Asked if 72 holes could pose a problem this week, Westwood replied: "You know, that's rubbish really. 72 holes won't be a problem." Instead the Englishman pointed .