Harrington makes quick start

Padraig Harrington struck a quick blow for Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup side with an eagle two at the third hole at Carnoustie today.

Harrington, one of the stars of Europe’s triumph on Sunday, holed his second shot at the 337-yard hole as the $5m (€8m) Dunhill Links Championship got under way at three Scottish courses.

That put the Dubliner at two-under-par and into the early lead, but he dropped a shot with a bogey five at the 412-yard fourth hole.

Four others then took over the lead at two-under, Eduardo Romero of Argentina and Jonathan Lomas of England, also at Carnoustie, and Gordon Brand Jnr of Scotland and Miguel Angel Martin of Spain at Kingsbarns.

Players and their amateur partners play a round each at the three venues over the first three days before a cut is made for Sunday’s final round at the Old Course at St Andrews.

Harrington’s professional playing partner, Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley, made a steady opening in the aftermath of his euphoria after holing the winning putt at The Belfry, parring the first five holes.

Many of the tournament’s big names were playing Carnoustie on Thursday, including South Africans Retief Goosen and Open champion Ernie Els, who are battling for the European Order of Merit title.

Goosen, winner of the honour last year, has a slender lead but holds a big advantage because Els, unless he changes his mind, insists this is the last counting event he will play.

Even this one is slightly questionable. His wife Liezl is expecting their second child next week but Els says if there is any chance of her delivering early, he will fly back to their Wentworth home early to be by her side even if it means dropping out of the event.