American Jim Herman and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington tamed the famed ‘Bear Trap’ to be lying first and third respectively midway through the opening round of the Honda Classic.
Both players birdied the 16th and final holes on the Jack Nicklaus designed PGA National course with Herman shooting a five under par 65 and Harrington returning to some form with a 67.
Herman, 28 is contesting his 76th PGA Tour event and with the Cincinnati-born golfer still looking for a first PGA Tour success, and with his best finishes being two top-10s in 2013.
In contrast, Harrington rekindled the form that earned his a first PGA Tour win here at the 2005 Honda Classic.
“Well, I’m very pleased with a 67,” he said.
“Yeah, certainly going out, you’d have taken level par, anything around level par. I got a good bit of momentum going early on and made a few mistakes but recovered. On a windy day, if things are going well for you, you do tend to be able to make a few birdies coming home. If you’re a couple over par early on, you don’t see anyway out, but thankfully as I said, got a decent start which is so important.”
Bernie looking serious as he waits to talk to Padraig Harrington. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
And Harrington clearly benefited from a two-hour chat over dinner on Tuesday night with his long-time and renowned sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella at the nearby Yardhouse Steak and Ale House.
“The last time Padraig and I had a decent talk was the end of last year so it was good just for he and I to get together on Tuesday night,” said Rotella.
“But since our last meeting and getting together on Tuesday night I can see a big difference where his head is at and that is the big issue with Padraig.
“Also I’ve been getting Padraig to take a lot more time off and really the last time I recall he took a serious break from the game was when he first won the Honda Classic.
“And someone finally documented Padraig generates more club head speed when he comes back to competition after a long time off, so that’s helped.
“So when Padraig is in a good state of mine, as we saw today, he can score but now it’s a question as to whether he can stay there.”
