Pádraig Harrington left cursing his luck

Perception is everything and while Phil Mickelson was happy with a one-over 71 from an eventful opening round at the PGA Championship, Pádraig Harrington was left feeling distinctly underwhelmed by his similar effort.

With American Jimmy Walker holding the clubhouse lead at five under par after the morning wave of starters in the final major of the year, Harrington will not be staring down both barrels when he begins his second round at Baltusrol this evening at 6.05pm Irish time.

Late starters Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry were slightly less favourable positions as they turned for home last night, Lowry two over par and McDowell three over, not exactly looking like early contenders but nor were they having to think about a special score today in the way Rory McIlroy was following his four-over 74.