Padraig Harrington leading the Abu Dhabi Championship
Padraig Harrington is leading the first round of the €2 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
Taking some time off from competitive golf, Harrington showed he was in control of his game after grabbing the lead in Abu Dhabi.
The Dubliner posted a seven under 65 and was leading by one shot, ahead of Sweden’s Alexander Noren. Padraig is currently two shots ahead of defending champion, Martin Kaymer, and, Englishman, Robert Coles.
The three time major winner, Harrington, also became the ambassador of the R&A group of companies. Joining recently, Harrington, will now promote the game as the ambassador.
Last year, Harrington won the Iskander Johor Open.
Even though he is a talented player, his position in world rankings has dropped to 26th position. This would be a good start for the player as he really takes his career seriously.
Never being intimidated by challenges, Harrington makes sure to address every single detail affecting his career. He even has the specific gravity of his urine analyzed to make a complete result of his dietary needs and stress levels.
The Northern Irishman came in control of the tournament right after his tenth hole. Harrington posted birdies at the 13th, 15th and 18th. More birdies came in at the fourth and fifth, which consequently led up to even more
spectacular golf by Harrington.
At the par five eighth hole, which was his seventeenth, Padraig achieved an amazing eagle and thus made his way to the top of the leader board.
Harrington, who has been making changes to his game, said that it was a shock to see the ball go in at the eighth hole.
"The first putt of the day I was away with the fairies, but I made the most out of the round - another day that would have been 69", added Harrington.
"One thing showed up in the States last year. I was about 156th in every putting category, so something needed to be done."
2010 PGA Championship winner, Kaymer, managed to give a decent performance, which consisted of six birdies and one bogey.
As for the current world number one, Lee Westwood, he posted a 3-under par 69.Westwood is one shot behind Charl Schwartzel, who won the Joburg Open last weekend.
Overall, the Abu Dhabi Championship offered some delightful play and intense competition. The second round of the Championship will tee off tomorrow.
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