PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Lee Westwood, a former top-ranked player, known for securing top-five finishes in 12 major championships, has a keen eye for evaluating talent.

After spending two days on the course with Chris Gotterup, who hails from Little Silver, N.J., Westwood found himself “really impressed” by the Jersey Shore native.

“With the recent [Open] qualifying, practice rounds, and my game today with Chris, I’ve witnessed impressive young talent,” Westwood remarked. “There are numerous promising young players emerging, especially through the qualifying rounds.”

“Obviously, Chris is a different kettle of fish,’’ Westwood went on. “He’s got very impressive game. The way he penetrates the ball and plays off this links turf, it’s ideal for links play. He can keep it down, drill it out there with a driver, looks to have a good short game, nice putter.