Golf

Pádraig Harrington struggles in Florida

Darren Clarke off to a bright start before slipping up on the back nine of his first round

Luke Donald of England plays a shot on the seventh hole during the first round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Photograph: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Luke Donald of England plays a shot on the seventh hole during the first round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Photograph: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Thu Mar 13 2014 - 23:11

Pádraig Harrington’s woes continued in Florida on Thursday after he shot a four-over-par 75 in the first round of Valspar Championship at Salamander Golf and Spa Resort to lie seven shots off the early lead held by Americans Matt Every and Pat Perez.

While Harrington was struggling after a round that included five bogies and a lone birdie, Darren Clarke showed some of his old form and was three under after 10 before a double at 12 and a bogey at the last left him on level par.