Ireland's Padraig Harrington shot a two under par 68 in the opening round of the St Jude Classic at TPC Southwind.

The Dubliner, starting on the 10th, a par three, recovered from a brace of bogeys in as many holes with a birdie on the 17th, to turn in one over regulation figures. He really got his round going with three successive birdies from the first to the third holes, finishing with six pars to sign for his 68.

Irrespective of whether he wins or not this week Harrington can't qualify for next week's US Open over the Pinehurst No.2 layout in North Carolina. Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke shot a three over par, 73. South Africa's Retief Goosen held the early lead on four under.