PALM HARBOR, Fla. – A 61 is a terrific score at any PGA Tour event. At Innisbrook, home of the demanding Copperhead Course, a 61 is close to unfathomable. But that's what Padraig Harrington posted Thursday afternoon. The 10-under start gave Harrington a whopping four-shot lead as the afternoon half began play in the opening round of the Transitions Championship.
Harrington also claimed sole ownership of the course scoring record previously held by Jeff Sluman (2004) and Mark Calcavecchia (2007). As for the vaunted Snakepit – the three-hole closing stretch regarded as one of the toughest on Tour – Paddy finished birdie-birdie-birdie. That he hit just six of 13 fairways should tell you something about this year's playing conditions: The rough isn't nearly as testy as it has been at prior gatherings.
A few players were half-kiddingly complaining about the lack of mean grass Wednesday. No, Harrington wasn't one of them.
Related Articles
Harrington loses lucky charm on Day 2
by Doug Ferguson | Mar 16, 2012 7:35 PM ETPadraig Harrington followed his course-record 61 with a 2-over 73 on Friday in the Transitions Championship. Read More
Harrington up three at Transitions
by Ryan Ballengee | Mar 15, 2012 6:18 PM ETPadraig Harrington may have used a little luck of the Irish to take the lead at the Transitions Championship. Harrington fired a course record of 10-under 61 at Innisbrook to lead by three shots over... Read More
Harrington shoots record 61 at Innisbrook
by Doug Ferguson | Mar 15, 2012 4:35 PM ETPadraig Harrington has set the course record at the Transitions Championship with a 10-under 61, the lowest score of his professional career. Read More
Latest News
- Garcia apologizes for "fried chicken" comment
- USGA, R&A ban anchored stroke | Explanation
- Infographic: What's legal, illegal | Timeline
- Video: Woods talks Garcia feud | Won't clear air
- Simpson takes to Twitter, calls for bifurcation
- Z. Johnson, Dufner reunited at Crowne Plaza
- Steele: Expect a player to sue USGA, R&A
- Uihlein's amazing journey | Tour on fans calling in
- Peterson to donate to Okla. tornado victims
- Pettersson asks for 'a few days' | Pavin's take
- Manufacturer: 'Golf lost today' | Time to adapt
- Weekly Fix: Exposing a great golf instruction myth
