Padraig Harrington leads Iskandar Johor Open
Padraig Harrington is tied for lead in the Iskandar Johor Open that took place at Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Other players in the lead with Harrington are Kirdech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and Marcus Both of Australia. Posting
two eagles on the last three holes, Harrington led the first round with an 8-under 64.
Playing in mild weather after the chilly days of Wales and Scotland, Padraig made news headlines in the first right. Tying for 17th last week, and being part of the winning Ryder Cup team has definitely made Harrington more confident as ever.
Padraig initiated his fantastic game with three consecutive birdies and ended the show with eagles on the 16th and 18th hole. After nine holes, his score was 4-under 32. Harrington only missed a shot at the 11th hole but
then recovered on the 13th hole before his amazing finish.
Harrington said it was nice to finish eagle, par and then eagle. Very right Paddy was when he said that something like this doesn’t happen very often.
Harrington drove the green on the par-4 314 yard 16th hole and then achieved an eagle on the 18th hole. Following that, he swung for 25-feet towards the 18th hole despite the windy conditions yesterday afternoon.
“It’s a long way to go yet. You can always lose it on a Thursday but in regards to winning it, there’s a lot of work to be done. It was a tough day with the wind, so it’s nice to return a score like that. I got the breaks and holed a few putts”, said Harrington.
The Korean player, Kiradech, who is also a former World junior champion, posted one eagle and seven birdies to achieve the lead. Whereas, Both, who is a two-time Asian winner, accomplished a bogey-less round with eight birdies.
The Thai player, Kiradech, said that Malaysia is like his home and he’s shown some good quality of gold the three or four times he has played. Kirdech and Both were at 31 and were 8 under after 12 holes.
Winds became strong after they shot their twelve holes thus making it hard for the players to golf.
As for other players, Noh Seung-Yul, who is the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, was two shots behind and is now tied for fourth place with countryman Lee Sung. Ahmed Bateman carded an even par-72. Six players are now tied in sixth position. The
native Ian Steel really wanted to continue his recent form at this open and finished yesterday at 69.
A lot of big names have come together in this €890,000 event. Victorious Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie, posted a two-under to be tied with Korean KJ Choi, the defending champion of the Iskander Johar Open. The 2008 champion, Retief Goosen also performed
well and ended with a four-under 68.
As for the man of the moment, Harrington is definitely looking forward to ending his two-year winless period that goes back to the 2008 US PGA Championship. The poor chap was also subject to much controversy when he was chosen to play for the Ryder Cup even
though he hasn’t won anything recently.
Harrington said that he has been in the top ten various times this year but it really is about winning a tournament. Harrington said he still has five more events to go and he really hopes to attain a win and make his Christmas better. The Northern Irishman
is very familiar with the Asian golf courses but still knows that he needs to maintain his vigour. He said he has to be careful not to overdo it in the heat.
Harrington praised the tournament by saying that the Asian Tour has really grown. He said there is no major difference between co-sanctioned events and European tour events. Overall, all the players tried their best and will continue with the second round
today.
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