Harrington shoots 71 as Gronberg grabs chance

DEFENDING champion Padraig Harrington opened with a 71 as Swede Mathias Gronberg, called in when Nick Faldo withdrew, claimed the lead when the Honda Classic began in Florida yesterday.

Three days before his 36th birthday Gronberg returned a five under par 67 on the Mirasol course in Palm Beach Gardens and shared the early clubhouse lead with tournament favourite David Toms.

Harrington, playing with Toms, was much the faster out of the blocks with two birdies in the first three holes of the inward half.