Padraig Harrington’s poor first round showing in the U.S. Open continues with the Irishman carding a starting score of a four over par 74 at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

The triple Major Champion posted three birdies but also three bogey and a pair of double bogeys, one on either nine.

Padraig Harrington struggles to stand upright shooting a first round 74 that included four-putting one hole. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Included in Harrington’s round was two a four putts at the fifth and seventh hole albeit from off the green in a round that included 31 official putts.

Harrington’s first round effort in the Golden Gate City continues a history of over-70 rounds in the event, and just one he managed to break 70 and that was in carding a 69 on day one in 2003 at Olympia Fields in Illnois.

Harrington walked from Olympic course tied in 30th place and eight shots behind the surprise opening round leader, Michael Thompson of America who signed for a four under par 66.

“No, I’m not happy,” was Harrington’s first comment.

“The course is super.  Brilliant.  Actually, not difficult either.  It’s nicely setup.  Very playable.  Yeah.  It was. 

“But it just shows how firm greens scare the life out of professional golfers.

“I had two 4‑putts and a 3‑putt, two stubbed chips from the edge of the green.  That’s a lot of shots.  I don’t think, I can’t remember ever having a 4‑putt and I had two of them today

“So I just putted poorly all day and didn’t do myself any favours.”