Lee Westwood has described his opening-round 68 at the Houston Open as "solid".
The 39-year-old carded seven birdies at Redstone GC, but dropped shots at the fourth, eighth and 17th means that he is tied for ninth on four under par.
Despite expressing contentment with the state of his game, the world number 13 spoke ruefully of the missed opportunities to build on his score.
"I came out pretty quick," Westwood told reporters. "Birdied the second, birdied the third, bogied the fourth, birdied five and missed a good chance on seven.
"Missed a good chance at nine, good chance at 10, 11. Birdied 12, 13, 14. A solid round of golf.
"I've been working on my whole game. My short game from 80 yards in has improved. I'm swinging it a little easier. I had some nice putts."
DA Points leads the way in Texas on eight under par.
