Padraig Harrington shines in Portugal after seniors ‘wake-up’ call

Ryder Cup captain, who turned 50 in August, says his early experiences on the senior tour made him reexamine his game

Ireland’s Pádraig Harrington is in fourth place after an impressive first round at the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura yesterday. Pictures: Warren Little/Getty Images

Pádraig Harrington says his experiences of being "lapped by the field" on the Champions Tour in the US has given him a wake-up call to sharpen his game.

The 2021 Ryder Cup captain has made an imperssive start to the Portugal Masters, in joint fourth place after his first round. Italy's Nino Bertasio opened up a four-shot lead following a stunning first round of 61 in the Portugal Masters.