The Englishman boosted his prospects by firing five birdies and a lone bogey at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club for a share of eighth, two strokes behind Bangladesh's Siddikur Rahman.
"I'll let things take their course and see what happens at the end of the week. Like I said before, I'm here to win a golf tournament," he told reporters.
Westwood, who was world number one for 17 weeks until German Martin Kaymer replaced him in February, has struggled with his short game, finishing tied 11th at the U.S. Masters this month, and reckoned the problem was not yet over.
"I played solidly but I was a bit frustrated out there. It has been the story for me so far, hitting it great from tee to green and giving myself a lot of chances but not taking them," he said.
BELLY PUTTER
Westwood, who swapped his short putter for a longer one at Augusta, said he was still getting used to the belly putter.
"I've used the belly putter in two rounds at Augusta and it's the first time I'm using it here since 2004 so it needs some getting used to," he said.
"I'm playing well and confident of familiarising myself on the golf course."
The day belonged to Siddikur, who claimed to be overawed after being drawn with Westwood but showed no signs of it by firing a 66 to grab the opening round lead.
"I saw the draw yesterday (Wednesday) and was feeling a bit excited playing with one of the best players in the world. I have to admit I felt a bit shaky this morning playing with Westwood," he said.
At the end of the first round, Siddikur was one shot ahead of a six-man chasing pack, which included Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng.
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