Padraig Harrington and Jim Furyk both posted two-under 68s on Tuesday to share the lead in the first round of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.
Ireland’s Harrington, winner of the British Open and PGA Championship this year, and America’s Furyk, were two shots in front of South African Retief Goosen, who opened with an even-par 70.
Masters champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa struggled to a 76 to bring up the rear of the US$1.35 million four-man event.
Persistent ocean breezes made for difficult conditions on the opening day of the two-day, 36-hole tournament, which is designed to include the year’s four major champions.
With US Open winner Tiger Woods sidelined by knee surgery and Harrington the winner of two, Furyk and Goosen were invited to fill the vacant spots.
Harrington seized an early advantage with a birdie at the second, where his approach hit the flagstick.
After spectacular par saves at four and six, Harrington ran into trouble at eight, where he had to take an unplayable lie en route to a double bogey.
Harrington rebounded with birdies at 14, 16 and 18,
“Obviously I started out playing well and finished off playing well,” he said. “Middle of the round, I didn’t play so well, but putted very well. Two-under par, I’m quite pleased with that.”
Furyk’s even-par outward nine included two birdies and two bogeys. At the fourth he needed a putt of just about two feet for birdie, while he nearly holed his tee shot at the par-three seventh.
He eagled the par-five 11th, gave back a shot at 14 then capped his round with a birdie at 18.
Immelman, meanwhile, had to take an unplayable lie at 11 and ended up with a double bogey.
That was followed by bogeys at three of the next five, and the Masters champion said he didn’t think he had any chance to win.
“What am I, eight back? Obviously these guys are playing well,” he said. “I just have to go try and go out there and play a better round tomorrow.”
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