Harrington lifted by final round charge

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON shot a final round of four-under-par 68 to finish on one-under-par 287 in the Buick Invitational, at Torrey Pines (South Course) in San Diego, California yesterday.

After two disappointing 74s, Harrington got back on track with a first nine of 32, which included an eagle three at the 18th, after starting at the 10th. And the Dubliner came home in level par - eight shot behind course leader John Rollins.

Rollins, who started the day three shots clear of the field had his lead reduced to one after 12 holes as Lucas Glover charged up the leaderboard. Rollins at two over for the day at 10 under par was one clear of Glover, who was four under after 13 holes.

Leading in the clubhouse at seven-under-par 281 was Matt Jones after a final round of 64 to come from 36th place to a share of fifth.

Jones, who fired 10 birdies and two bogeys, was two clear of Bubba Watson, who finished with a 67 for 283.

Hospitality at the Buick Invitational tournament was scaled down in one of several cuts made by the tournaments sponsor.

“We know we still need advertising to promote our products, but we’ve taken out everything that’s really not contractual,” said Larry Peck, promotions manager for GM’s Buick and Pontiac divisions.

“We’ve downgraded our hospitality area from a trophy suite that was quite lavish in years past to some seating by the 18th green with dry snacks and soft drinks.

“No food buffets or anything. We’ve even cut back on the big signage to save money in transportation out here.

The tournament at Torrey Pines was already been hit by the absence of four-times defending champion Tiger Woods through injury.

“Television ratings are significantly higher when Tiger plays so we have missed him this week,” said Peck.

Meanwhile, Rising Australian star Katherine Hull claimed a five-stroke victory at the ANZ Ladies Masters at Royal Pines in Australia yesterday.

Hull, who began the final round with a three-stroke lead over compatriot Tamie Durdin, shot a 68 to record a winning total of 16-under-par 272.

The 26-year-old had earlier fired rounds of 69, 67 and 68 to become the third Australian to win the tournament.

“If anyone would have said to me that I would shoot four rounds in the 60s I would have been absolutely ecstatic,” said Hull. “I dreamt about this as a kid. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

“There are so many great names on the trophy, and you walk past the framed pictures of the winners and you wish you had your picture up there.

“Now I’m going to be up there – so I’m just stoked. I couldn’t have written the story any better this week.”

Durdin, who shot a final-round 70, had to settle for a share of second place with So Yeon Ryu — the promising young Korean closing with a 66.

Last year’s European number one Gwladys Nocera (67) finished in a tie for fourth with Australian Sarah Kemp (68), American Mollie Fankhauser (70) and world number two Yani Tseng (66).