Scheduling reality kicks in for Harrington — tough phone calls ahead
On Monday Pádraig Harrington was on such a high following his Honda Classic comeback win that he insisted he'd honour his commitments and take up four sponsors invitations in a row before playing in the Masters. Now he's not so sure.
Harrington starts well in Masters quest but admits: "I have got to putt better"
Pádraig Harrington tried to sound upbeat about his chances of winning the Shell Houston Open and qualifying for the Masters. But while a 69 left him just four shots off the lead, like Rory mcIlroy (70) he knows he must putt better.
McIlroy digs deep: "I didn't get too down on myself"
Rory McIlroy is looking forward to making a good start to the second round after seeing postive signs in the first round of the Shell Houston Open. Rory McIlroy tried hard to sound enthusiastic about his battling 73 in Texas but it far from a vintage day for seven Irishmen who did battle on both sides of the Atlantic yesterday.Is ego Rory McIlroy's biggest rival?
Which way now? Rory McIlroy walks past a billboard depicting his silhouette in Abu Dhabi in January. Picture Stuart Adams www.golftourimages.comNewly-crowned world No 1 Tiger Woods was joking when he replied to Rory McIlroy’s congratulatory text and told him, as the youngster revealed in Texas yesterday, “to get my finger out of my ass and win this week.” At least, we think he was joking.Onwards and upwards - Lowry gets focussed
Shane Lowry has shown only glimpses of his huge potential in the US so far this year. Picture: Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ieShane Lowry dismissed his Accenture Match Play win over world No 1 Rory McIlroy and insisted he must put the blinkers on if he’s to move up to the next level and show the world how he can really play.Houston lift-off for Lowry
Shane Lowry will be in Houston at the end of the month. Pictured during a shoot for clothing sponsors Kartel in Abu Dhabi by Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ieShane Lowry will get another chance to prove himself on the PGA Tour when he tees it up on a sponsor’s exemption in this month’s Shell Houston Open.McDowell rebounds in weather-delayed Houston Open
Graeme McDowell opened with a 70 in Houston. Picture here at the Cadillac Championship in Miami by Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ieGraeme McDowell got a lucky ricochet that helped him finish third in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January. Lady Luck hit back in Texas yesterday but she still couldn’t stop the 2010 US Open champion opening with a two under 70 in the weather-delayed Shell Houston Open.
Harrington raises over $200K for stricken relative
IdentityX, Clune Construction and Blarney.com will help Padraig Harrington raise money for a worthy cause over the next three weeks.Dermot Desmond’s biometrics firm is one of three companies to seize the unique three-week branding opportunity offered by Padraig Harrington to raise funds for a family member who was paralysed in a car accident.Family tragedy prompts huge gesture by Harrington
Padraig Harrington is offering all his sponsorship spots to the highest bidder for three weeks - Houston, Augusta and Hilton Head - to raise money for a family member left paralysed following a car accident.Padraig Harrington is offering millions of euro worth of advertising space to the highest bidder after a family tragedy put his recent golfing troubles in stark perspective.Mickelson on a Masters high after Houston win
Phil Mickelson got a timely Masters boost with a three stroke win in the Shell Houston Open. Picture Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.iePhil Mickelson surged past Tiger Woods in the world rankings for the first time in 14 years to become the bookies’ favourite to win his fourth Masters title this week.
The exciting left-hander followed his course record-equalling 63 with a closing 65 to win the Shell Houston Open by three shots from Chris Kirk and Scott Verplank on 19 under par - the biggest margin of victory on the PGA Tour this year - and leap from sixth to third in the world.
