LEE POINTS WAY FOR RAI
Westwood’s special says partner
AARON RAI admits he is relishing an “awesome” education from old master Lee Westwood.
The 25- year- old from Wolverhampton savoured every second of his Fairmont St Andrews experience alongside the Ryder Cup hero at the AXA Scottish Championship.
Rai announced himself as a new force when he surged to a stunning success at the ASI Scottish Open two weeks ago.
However, he still has much to learn and took a few valuable lessons despite eclipsing the 47- year- old Westwood by a shot on day one.
Rai, who carded a 66 to trail Spanish leader Adrian Otaegui by four, said: “Lee is awesome. It’s the first time I’ve played with him.
“I’ve watched him a bit on the range over the years, but seeing him up close and personal and watching him plot his way around the course – his shot selection, his putting, I think that’s really under- rated in his game.
“He rolls it really well, his pace control is incredible and he’s probably the most solid player I’ve seen.”
Westwood went round in 67 and the two players will go out together again at lunchtime today for the second round
The former world No1 enjoyed watching his young colleague and the tricks he used to block out the biting Fife cold.
“I was saying to Aaron what an advantage he has wearing two gloves,” said Westwood.
“He played well two weeks ago to win the Rolex Series event but I’m impressed with his game. He’s solid. “There doesn’t look to be too many weaknesses in his game. He’s a nice young man and whenever I go on the range, he looks to be working hard so he’s going to have a long time out here.”
Otaegui blitzed his way to the top of the leaderboard with a 10- under- par 62.
“There’s quite a lot of room on this golf course,” said Westwood. “And you’re not going to see better greens all year, they’re absolutely immaculate.”
The 27- year- old Spaniard defied the bitterly cold weather by reeling off 10 birdies as he went in search of the third European Tour victory of his career.
Otaegui, who did not drop a shot to par all day, said: “I felt confident and relaxed. Almost everything went well.
“I was feeling good in the practice days but until you play a tournament you don’t know what’s going to happen.
“I played nine holes on Tuesday and another nine on Wednesday.
“I tried not to tire myself too much playing in those difficult conditions.
“I tried to organise myself. In the afternoons I chilled, stayed in the room, went to the gym and tried not to get cold.”