MEMPHIS: Lee Westwood gave himself a timely boost for next week`s U.S. Open by rocketing into a one-shot lead in the opening round of the St. Jude Classic on Thursday.

The English world number three, the highest-ranked player in the field, took advantage of calm morning weather and rain-softened conditions to fire a sizzling seven-under-par 63 at the TPC Southwind.

Seeking his first victory on the PGA Tour since the 1998 New Orleans Classic, Westwood covered his first nine holes in a blistering six-under 29 before finishing a stroke in front of American Casey Wittenberg.

Three-times major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland, playing in his first tournament since having surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee two weeks ago, opened with a five-birdie 65.

Australian John Senden, New Zealander Phil Tataurangi and American Bob Estes, the 2001 champion, were among a group of eight players bunched at 66 after a hot and humid day.

Westwood, who has posted four top-10s in seven PGA Tour starts this season, was delighted with his first competitive round at a venue he had not seen before this week.

"It could have been better, but I`m not going to cry too much after missing from four feet on the last," the 37-year-old told reporters, the highlight of his round an eagle at the par-five 16th where he hit a five-wood to three feet.

"I haven`t been here before but my caddie has and he said normally there`s a bit of breeze that blows. You try and score when you get your morning time on the first two days when it`s fairly calm, and that`s what I tried to do."

OPEN TUNE-UP

Westwood, a runner-up behind Phil Mickelson at the U.S. Masters in April, felt Southwind would provide him with an ideal tune-up for next week`s U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

"It`s a real solid test with a lot of intimidating tee shots," said the Briton, a winner of 20 European Tour titles.

"I like to be competitive before a major. I played Houston before the Masters, and being competitive means more to me than actually adapting to the conditions. I like to get used to making the three, four-footers when they mean something."

Westwood has already taken an early look at Pebble Beach, having played 27 holes there on Sunday and 18 on Monday.

"The course was in spectacular condition, a real demand and test," he said. "It`s going to be tough."

American Brian Gay, who cruised to a five-shot victory in last year`s St. Jude Classic, carded an opening 73.

Northern Ireland`s world number 10 Rory McIlroy returned a 69 but Briton Ian Poulter, ranked sixth, wasted a good start with five bogeys in his last seven holes for a 72.

Play was suspended for the day at 6:18 p.m. (2318 GMT) due to the threat of lightning and 20 golfers will complete the opening round on Friday.

BDST: 1143hrs, June 11, 2010
SA