Harrington sets early pace in Farmingdale

Tiger Woods got the better of playing partner Rory McIlroy in the first round of The Barclays tournament in Farmingdale today, but it was Ireland’s Padraig Harrington who stole the early headlines.

Harrington, searching for his first US Tour win since the 2008 USPGA Championship, recorded a superb seven-under-par 64 to take the early clubhouse lead by one stroke over American pair Nick Watney and Brian Harman.

Woods was four strokes back after a three-under-par round of 68 including four birdies and a sixth-hole bogey, while reigning USPGA champion McIlroy also bogeyed the sixth as he came in a further stroke back on two under.

In-form Spaniard Sergio Garcia was shaping up for another title challenge after ending his long drought at the Wyndham Championships last week, as he checked in at five under alongside England’s Gary Christian.

England’s Greg Owen and Luke Donald recorded solid rounds of three under while Lee Westwood was level with McIlroy on two under with a number of big-hitters - including Open champion Ernie Els – still to complete their opening rounds.