Golf:Pádraig Harrington began the Northern Trust Open in California in impressive fashion last night, carding a three-under-par 68. An eagle three immediately after the turn was the highlight of the Dubliner's round, which included two birdies and a bogey.
Ominously, like last year, showers are expected this evening at the Riviera Country Club, but Harrington has put himself in a strong position, unlike many of the pre-tournament favourites.
Last year’s winner Steve Stricker made just one birdie to three bogeys, ending at two-over and a first round 73. Both Dustin Johnson and Zach Johnson also finished at two-over.
And the reigning FedEx Cup champion, Jim Furyk, also struggled throughout the day, ending with a four-over 75.
Former winner Robert Allenby led an Australian tidal wave at the top of a congested leaderboard after opening with a four-under-par 67.
Allenby, champion in 2001, recorded four birdies in a flawless display to join compatriots John Senden and Aaron Baddeley in a nine-way tie for the early lead.
"I just played pretty solid all day, hit a lot of fairways, hit a lot of greens and made the odd putt or two," said Allenby after picking up two birdies on each nine.
"This golf course suits me. I've always played pretty well here, and it sets up really good for me."
Also at four under were Scotland's Martin Laird, Swede Carl Pettersson and Americans Bill Haas, long-hitting J.B. Holmes, Ben Martin and Spencer Levin before play was suspended for the day in fading light.
Two more Australians, Stuart Appleby and Geoff Ogilvy, finished the opening round two strokes off the pace.
World number four Phil Mickelson, a Riviera fan favourite and winner here in 2008 and 2009, birdied his first two holes before bogeying three of the next four on the way to a 71.
"I was a couple under and thought it was going to be a great day but gave a lot of shots back, made too many bogeys," the American said. "I'll have a good chance tomorrow morning to get out and try to go low.
"This afternoon it was tough to make some putts. Even though there were some low scores, I struggled getting the ball to go in."
Allenby, a four-time champion on the PGA Tour, was especially delighted with his form on a cool, sun-splashed day at Riviera after missing two cuts in his first three starts on the U.S. circuit this season.
"I haven't been putting very well, but more I haven't been driving the ball very well," he said. "I just need to get some confidence with my swing and get the year started (properly)."
Harrington finished the day level with former world number ones Vijay Singh of Fiji and American Fred Couples, plus England’s Luke Donald and Brian Davis.
