Tiger Woods gave no hint of feeling threatened as the world's number one. Neither did he attempt to hide his admiration for Lee Westwood, in the build-up to the 127th British Open which starts here tomorrow. But the next great British hope looks set to become a formidable rival.
Since last Saturday at Loch Lomond where he gained his seventh tournament victory in the last nine months, Westwood has jumped from 12th to seventh in the world rankings. And one suspects that he has already contemplated the possibility of becoming number one before too long.
At 25, he will carry European hopes of an Open victory for the first time since Nick Faldo in 1992. And it doesn't bother him a jot. "Nothing bothers me," he said. "I'm not afraid of winning. I'm not afraid of losing. I would dearly love to win the Open but it's not life and death; it's only a game at the end of the day."
Could this be bare-faced deceit, even an elaborate exercise in bravado? Not according to colleagues who know him. For instance, Ryder Cup team-mate Thomas Bjorn said yesterday: "Lee's attitude on the course is fantastic. He's so calm, always in control of his emotions, a pleasure to watch. He's Europe's answer to Justin Leonard."
Padraig Harrington endorsed that view. "It's really a big thing to be able to accept that you're favourite for this championship," he said. "But Lee has taken it in his stride. That's very impressive."
Westwood and Woods last played together in the US Open at the Olympic Club where the American reluctantly declined to join him for a drink, for fear of "being swamped by the fans". Clearly aware of the Englishman's achievements, he added: "He's had a great run ever since the end of last year. He has played great."
These comments were reflective of a growing maturity in Woods, since his appearance at Royal Troon last year as the reigning US Masters champion. He appeared much more at ease with himself; more generous in his assessment of rivals.
"I think my perception of the game has changed," he said. "I'm enjoying it more than ever, mainly because of the experience of playing different courses in different conditions. I am learning more about myself, about the game and its traditions and the things that have happened to my golfing friends. I think my perspective will only enhance as the years go on."
No longer was he working to a well-rehearsed script. Here was a natural Tiger who, when questioned, made a point of eye-to-eye contact, thereby revealing his true feelings about the merit of a particular approach. "The worst conditions I ever encountered were at the Australian Golf Club where we had gusts of over 50 mph," he suggested.
While Woods prepared for Birkdale by savouring the delights of Waterville and Ballybunion, Westwood settled for the parkland beauty of Loch Lomond. It is arguable which was the better preparation, familiarity with links terrain or the priceless confidence that comes from winning.
"A lot of hard work with my coach Peter Cowen, has gone into winning those tournaments," said Westwood. "The hope was that it would pay off at some stage. It just happened that it paid off with a bang and I won three tournaments in five weeks and was second in another.
"Like any sport, once you start getting a few good results, your confidence grows and when that happens, you feel unbeatable. Whenever I turn up at a tournament now, I feel like I should be in contention and I've got a good chance of winning if I play as well as I can do."
All of the successful players know that feeling. That is why they are tending to look long and possibly longingly at Westwood these days.
As for Irish links terrain, the pre-championship publicity could hardly be better. Within 24 hours of Ernie Els extolling the virtues of Royal Co Down, Portmarnock et al, Woods was telling us of the hole-in-one that Payne Stewart had at the short third at Ballybunion.
His regular companion, Mark O'Meara, was there to show him the ropes. The current US Masters champion, who is variously described by Woods as a big brother and a father figure, could draw on the experience of previous visits, going back to a share of ninth place behind Seve Ballesteros in the Irish Open at Portmarnock in 1987.
"American players are coming over here a little earlier to prepare themselves," said O'Meara. "I think they get excited about playing this links type of golf. Tiger certainly does.
"When we got off the plane (at Shannon), he couldn't wait to get on the golf course. He says `I love this type of golf' but we will have to wait and see what happens this week. The course should suit him." Mind you, it could also be said to suit Woods's mentor, given that O'Meara was tied third here behind Ian Baker-Finch in 1991.
Meanwhile, in his development as a player of truly world-class, Westwood would appear to be achieving the impossible: he has yet to put a foot wrong. There was no attempt yesterday at the white lie or slick phrase, simply to please a captive audience.
What did he remember about the last time the Open was here in 1991? "Not a lot. I watched it on the telly and I remember him (Baker-Finch) going out in 29 and then birdying the 10th. I think I had probably just come in from playing 18 holes in the morning around Worksop."
Tiger Woods wouldn't know about such places, no more than Westwood could appreciate the value of a 62 which his rival shot around the "St Andrews" course at Grand Cypress, Florida earlier this month. But one suspects that these gifted young men are set to learn much more about each other during the days ahead.
