Padraig Harrington, as he does during other tournament weeks, is treating social media as a bit of a confessional.
Here’s his round-one report:
“73 today, 6 back in tied 36th. Played very poorly in the blustery conditions. I managed to get the most out of the round until a couple of late bogeys over the last 3 holes.”
And here’s his second-round account:
“Shot 72 for 5 over, 10 back. It’s been a bit of a struggle, just a little quick with my timing.”
Then there was the third round.
As you can see, Harrington’s one of the most social-media friendly pros, and this week, at the Kaulig Companies Championship — a major on the PGA Tour Champions circuit — Harrington’s again been social-media friendly. Even as his play’s been, by his account, poor. Most of his other posts deal with instruction, so seemingly at least one of the hopes in sharing is to show the value in being open and up front.
Like he was with his Saturday post.
Through the first two rounds of the Kaulig, played at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, the preferred lies rule — or lift, clean and place — was in place. But not Saturday.
But sometimes you forget, which Harrington did on Firestone’s 17th hole.
“72 again today,” the three-time major winner began. “7 over, tied 53rd. I only hit 71 times as I also incurred a penalty for marking and picking up my ball to place it. There was no placing today after the first two days with placing.
“I hit it better on the range afterwards so hopefully better days ahead.”
The honesty is appreciated.
Of course, similar mistakes have been made previously. Should you be curious, you can read a story about a time Lydia Ko accidentally picked up her ball here; a time Adam Schenk accidentally picked up his ball here; and a time Anthony Quayle accidentally picked up his ball here.
