Harrington shines in Shaw Charity Classic

CALGARY, Canada, Aug. 5– Padraig Harrington set the early pace at the Shaw Charity Classic held in Canada’s Calgary on Friday as the Irishman shot an opening round six-under 64 for a one-shot lead at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club. Kirk Triplett was alone in second after a 65 at the PGA Tour Champions event, a stroke ahead of fellow American Paul Goydos and…

CALGARY, Canada, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) — Padraig Harrington set the early pace at the Shaw Charity Classic held in Canada’s Calgary on Friday as the Irishman shot an opening round six-under 64 for a one-shot lead at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club.

Kirk Triplett was alone in second after a 65 at the PGA Tour Champions event, a stroke ahead of fellow American Paul Goydos and Sweden’s Robert Karlsson on 66. Americans Matt Gogel and John Huston were equal fifth on 67.

South Korea’s Y. E. Yang and Thai Thongchai Jaidee were the top Asians at the 2.35 million U.S. dollars event in a group of 12 players on 68, four shots back. Defending champion Doug Barron of the United States carded an even-par 70 in the sunny conditions.

Harrington, the three-time Major winner, got his Canadian campaign off to a solid start in windy conditions when he carded three birdies over the first six holes. Following a birdie at the par-five 11th hole to get to four-under, the 50-year-old senior circuit rookie rolled in an eagle three at the 585-yard last to jump over Triplett for the outright lead.

“I was in a good place nearly all the round. Most things worked out for me. I did putt well, I holed out well. I certainly had a lot of three- and four-footers today. With the pace of the greens and the wind that was very encouraging. Surely to eagle the last is the icing on the cake for a good day,” said Harrington, who won the U.S. Senior Open Championship in June for his maiden Champions win.

Triplett, an eight-time winner on the seniors’ circuit, started his round on Canyon Meadows’ back nine and made a birdie at his first hole, the 421-yard 10th hole. He then posted an eagle three at the 532-yard next to quickly get to three-under. He would close out his bogey-free round with two more birdies.

The 60-year-old is making his 10th Shaw Charity Classic appearance and still looking for his first win. Enditem