Tiger praises patient Pádraig

TIGER WOODS gave Padraig Harrington a ringing endorsement as the Dubliner backed up his incredible opening 64 with a 69 to ease his way into the clubhouse lead on seven under par in the $8.5 million the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club.

The world number one knows exactly how taxing it can be to have your swing dissected in the public spotlight and while Harrington claims that he has given the deaf ear to the critics who have second guessed him for fiddling with his technique after winning three majors, Woods is impressed that the Dubliner has stuck to his guns.

Having seen the Irish star visit the deepest, darkest corners of Bethpage Black when they played together in the US Open in June, the game’s top player appeared pleased to see Harrington emerge from the doldrums this week.