Local golf hero Padraig Harrington posted opening round 63 and took the lead at the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. Harrington, who won his home open in 2007, once again showed his impressive links golfing skills and after eight birdies and only one bogey leads at seven under par. Just a shot behind and solo second is Zander Lombard from South Africa. Seven players share third place at five under par. In that group are Eddie Pepperell and Thorbjørn Olesen.
First round leaderboard:
Harrington’s last European Tour title came in 2016 when he won the Portugal Masters. Harrington, who is now more concentrated on his Ryder Cup captaincy duties, will have a difficult task next September. The Irishman will try to lead the European team to first win on American soil since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.
Matt Wallace didn’t have the best start at this year Irish Open. The Englishman was at two over par after the front nice. Thanks to four birdies on the back nice he finished his round at two under par.
Local favorite and 2009 champion Shane Lowry shares 10th place, three behind the leader Harrington.
