Golfing Gods take their revenge for Pádraig Harrington’s trip on easy street

It seems as if Pádraig Harrington may have offended the golfing gods. Not so much for the magnificent 63 he shot here in Lahinch on the opening day of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, so much as the unrestrained satisfaction he took from it all.

“Easy,” was one word offered up. The phrase “stroll in the park,” escaped his lips too. Enjoyable though it was to watch the Ryder Cup captain shoot that seven-under and bask in the unexpected glory of a round that left him overnight leader, it carried with it the scent of loose talk.