Golf

Harrington opens with 68 in St Jude Classic

Retief Goosen early clubhouse leader at TPC Southwind

Three successive birdies on his back nine saw Pádraig Harrington return an opening round two-under par 68 in the St Jude Classic at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Three successive birdies on his back nine saw Pádraig Harrington return an opening round two-under par 68 in the St Jude Classic at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Fri Jun 06 2014 - 01:00

Pádraig Harrington shot a two-under par 68 in the opening round of the St Jude Classic at TPC Southwind yesterday before play was suspended due to inclement weather.

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.

Cannot qualify

Irrespective of whether he wins 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.

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South Africa’s Retief Goosen held the early lead on four under.

Graeme McDowell was level par for the two holes he finished before the bad weather came in.

Visa problems

Paul Casey has overcome visa problems in time to defend his Irish Open title in a fortnight’s time, but will still have to add more events to his schedule.

Casey, who is based mainly in Phoenix, Arizona, was unable to compete in the BMW PGA Championship last month as he waited for his green card from US authorities, meaning he failed to fulfil a new regulation requiring players to support their home events.

Players currently have to play a minimum of 13 tournaments for European Tour membership, but that was increased to 15 for the 2014 season if they do not contest their national open or equivalent.

Despite the extenuating circumstances, Casey – who shot a level par 70 in his opening round in the St Jude Classic yesterday – will now need to re-examine his schedule while taking into consideration that his fiancee, television presenter Pollyanna Woodward, is pregnant with their first child.

Irish Open

“I am really looking forward to returning to Europe and to attempting to defend my title at the Irish Open,” said the 36-year-old, who sealed victory at Carton House in Maynooth with an eagle on the 72nd hole.

Three events

Casey has so far played in just three European Tour events this season, although he plans to play the next three in succession; the US Open at Pinehurst, Irish Open at Fota Island and BMW International Open in Cologne.

Major championships and World Golf Championship events count towards membership requirements in both Europe and America, although Casey’s world ranking of 84 does not guarantee him entry into all of them.