Harrington returns to happy hunting ground

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON returns to the scene of his maiden US Tour victory with a great deal more expectation on him to defend his title at Florida’s Palm Beach Gardens, today, than he faced 12 months ago.

Seven days ago, Harrington faced nine of the world’s top 10 players, at Doral, but this week he is up against only one - eighth-ranked David Toms - on a Mirasol course that holds brilliant memories.

The 34-year-old Dubliner was nine behind, after an opening 73, a year ago, and still seven adrift, and down in 21st place, with 18 holes to play.