Friday 29 September 2017 15:14, UK
Lee Westwood was delighted to see the public turn out in force to support the first round of the British Masters at Close House.
The return of top-class golf to the North East drew around 18,500 spectators to the Newcastle venue and tournament host Westwood paid tribute to the crowd after shooting a four-under 66.
"They have been brilliant. It's been well supported. I think 18,500 today," said Westwood. "Just impressive, phenomenal, the way the locals and the people from the area, all over the country, really, are supporting the event. It's great to see.
"I was excited and slightly relieved to see so many people and so many people having a good time, everyone enjoying the golf course and enjoying the tournament.
"You're never quite sure, are you? You sell all the tickets but are they going to come? They turned out in the thousands. People want to watch world-class golf. We don't get much chance to do it in Britain. I'm just pleased I could have been part of it and give them an opportunity to come watch."
Westwood produced a flawless round with two birdies on each nine to sit just three shots behind early pace-setters George Coetzee and Tyrell Hatton.
The 44-year-old Englishman made an excellent start with birdies at the second and fifth but failed to add any more gains until the par-five 13th, with his final birdie coming at the 17th.
"I played nicely," he added. "Obviously I didn't make a bogey and really didn't stress myself too much. Pretty good and rolled it alright on the greens.
"Everything was good. I hit my iron shots pretty good. Just a solid performance. I didn't really get myself into too much trouble."
Westwood's playing partner Sergio Garcia could only manage a level-par 70 following an eventful back nine.
There was little sign of the dramas to come when the Spaniard posted back-to-back birdies at the sixth and seventh to see him to the turn in two under.
The Masters champion dropped his first shot at the 10th and another bogey followed at the 12th, although he atoned for those errors with an eagle at the par-five 13th.
The roller-coaster continued with a double bogey at the par-four 14th which was followed by a birdie at the 15th and two successive pars before a disappointing bogey at the 18th.
Watch the British Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Friday from 9.30am.
