Padraig Harrington reacted favourably to being ‘summoned’ to dinner by his long-time mental coach, Dr. Bob Rotella and rekindling the form that earned him a first PGA Tour success virtually across the road from this week’s Honda Classic host venue.
Harrington took full advantage of the windy conditions playing the famed ‘Bear Trap’, and the closing three holes of the Jack Nicklaus designed Champions Course here at PGA National, in two under par for a three under par 67.
It was eight years ago Harrington broke through to win on the PGA Tour for a first occasion in capturing the 2005 Honda Classic but on the Mirasol course.
American Jim Herman leads the $US 6.1m event with a five under par 65 and with Harrington very well place and only two behind.
Padraig Harrington after shooting a three under par 67. (Photo – www.golfbtourmiss.com)
Rotella was among the first to greet Harrington after a round of just 26 putts, and with the duo having spent two hours at dinner on Tuesday night at the nearby Yardhouse Steak & Ale House.
“I got summoned to dinner on my own with him on Tuesday night, so unlike other occasions he insisted it be just the two of us,” said Harrington smiling.
“Bob is very much is like the school teacher as he sets you this homework and tells you to do it right, and he said he wanted to see me given what he had been reading in the newspapers what I have was saying to you guys.
“And it’s the mental side of the game where I have been struggling for a while now.
“So today’s round was all due to a good solid mental day and there was an element given it was tough out there in the wind of continuing to tell myself not to get down on yourself.
“It’s always been mental with me but then I think I turned the corner last Saturday afternoon playing out in L. A. and after the chat with Bob, I was very positive teeing up this morning.
“And you know the old saying an incoming tide raises all ships.”
Harrington is among seven players Rotella is working with at this week’s $US 6.1m event and he spoke fondly of his relationship with the triple Major winner.
“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.”
In contrast, a trip on Wednesday to the nearby Sikorsky factory didn’t provide the lift Graeme McDowell was seeking after posting a four over par 74 in his first event this year on American soil.
McDowell bogeyed four of his opening five holes and then doubled his 11th to be six over par before regrouping to eagle his 12th and birdie 14 before ending bogey, birdie and par.
“I wasn’t quite at the races early doors, and it was about a hard a start from the 10th hole that you will see on this golf course,” he said.
“You just don’t want to get behind the 8 ball on this golf course and I did that but I was pleased with myself in fighting back there on my back nine.
“So while it was still pretty ugly when I doubled my 11th at least I have given myself something to come out and play for tomorrow.”
