Padraig Harrington declares open the Sarazen bunker at Prince’s by playing out of it with his Wilson FG Tour wedge. Credit: Getty Images.It was hardly the kind of fare that will have struck fear in the hearts of his US Open rivals but at least he’s around for the weekend.

Perhaps the most significant thing about Padraig Harrington’s nail-biting, survival after a two over 72 at TPC Southwind in the FedEx St Jude Classic is that his luck finally appears to have changed.

Graeme McDowell celebrates with Padraig Harrington after he sank the winning putt in the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. Picture Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie.Major winners Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell are refusing to hit the panic button despite their slide in the latest world rankings and some recent struggles.

Padraig Harrington headed for Pebble Beach last night insisting that he is not in panic mode about his form or his fitness ahead of the US Open.

There was good news and bads news for Padraig Harrington in Memphis on Friday. 

Has Padraig Harrington’s knee injury given him the perfect green-reading posture?  

Judging by the serious footage of putts he holed in opening with a bogey free, five under par 65 in the St Jude Classic at TPC Southwind, you’d be tempted to say yes.

“The knee is not great Rory”Padraig Harrington opted to take it easy ahead of next week’s US Open by pulling out of the pro-am at the St Jude Classic in sweltering Memphis.

The Dubliner, 38, had keyhole surgery on his right knee just over two weeks ago and he faces a major test of his fitness over the next four days at TPC Southwind.

Padraig Harrington believes he’s right on track with his recovery from knee surgery.

Padraig Harrington does not believe he’s putting his US Open chances at risk by having knee surgery next week.

Graeme McDowell got off to a red-hot start in the St Jude Classic but Padraig Harrington's cold spell continued at TPC Southwind in Memphis.

McDowell hit six birdies and two bogeys in a four under 66 that left him tied for second place, just two shots behind leader Brian Gay.

Harrington and Mickelson kept it light in MemphisBut it was another frustrating day for Harrington, who had to settle for a two over par 72 alongside Phil Mickelson that leaves him battling to avoid his third missed cut in a row and his fourth in five starts.