In less than a week triple Major winning Padraig Harrington has climbed from last in ‘Putting’ stats at last week’s Players Championship in Florida to into the top-1o after needing just 25 putts in posting a two under par 70 on day one of the Wells Fargo Championship.
American Gary Woodland, and runner-up to Rory McIlroy in last fortnight’s WGC – Cadillac Match-Play Championship in San Francisco, topped the least number of putts on day one at Quail Hollow with just 22 putts.
Padraig Harrington claws his way from ‘Last’ in putting last week at TPC Sawgrass to top-10 after the first day at Quail Hollow.
Fellow American Kevin Chappell and Chad Collins had 23 putts while there was five players including Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed with 24 putts.
Harrington is among seven recording 25 putts.
“Now, if I could only putt like that every round,” said Harrington.
“But then I played really well last week and putted terrible to be last in putting, and today I putted unbelievable and didn’t play that well.
“It’s all very strange and today being the complete opposite to last week.”
Indeed, Harrington could have tied Mickelson had his birdie putt at his last hole not stopped right on the edge of the hole.
Harrington singled out the highlight of his round being his 168-yard 7-iron second shot to just three feet into the par four 12th hole.
“That was a great second shot for birdie because you know ‘The Green Mile’ is coming and you are anxious to get a couple in the bank before the last three holes that make up ‘The Green Mile,” he said.
American Robert Streb posted a sizzling seven under par 65 to lead the event by a shot from Reed.
And with the 2017 PGA Championship set to be staged at Quail Hollow both Harrington and McIlroy will have no concern familiarizing themselves with the Charlotte course.
“I know the course well enough so I am not too worried about that aspect of Quail Hollow, and I’ve played it enough and also like the fact the PGA of America is bringing the PGA Championship here in two years time,” said Harrington.
“So it’s not going to do me any harm playing here this year while I will play the tournament here next year.”
