Westwood seizes lead as US golfing Open looms

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (AFP) - Lee Westwood made the most of a rain-softened course to fire a sizzling seven-under 63 Thursday and grab the lead in the weather-disrupted first round of the St. Jude Classic.

Lee Westwood fired a sizzling seven-under 63 to grab the lead in the first round of the St. Jude Classic (© AFP/Getty Images - John Sommers Ii)

The Englishman, using the event as a tuneup for next week's US Open at Pebble Beach, had a one-shot lead over Casey Wittenberg, who was in the clubhouse with a 64 when play was halted for the day.

Severe thunderstorms had stopped play for an hour before the round was called for the night with 20 players still on the course.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington carded a 65, while Australian John Senden and New Zealand's Phil Tataurangi were among a group sharing fourth on 66.

Westwood, ranked number three in the world, started on the 10th and got right to work. Four of his five birdies came on the back nine, along with an eagle as he set a course record 29 over those nine holes.

"I wasn't even aware I shot 29," Westwood said.

Through his first 10 holes, Westwood needed just 11 putts.

"Anytime you're seven-under through 10, you have to putt well," he said.