Golf: Priority focused on Cup places
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IRELAND'S PADRAIG Harrington kept his slim Ryder Cup hopes alive after the first round of the West of Ireland Classic yesterday.
Harrington is 16th in the Ryder Cup standings and needs a victory here and a good finish in the final qualifying event next week to make the team. He kept himself well in touch with the leaders on the picturesque course overlooking Galway Bay after the first day with an eventful finish.
An "appalling" drive into the water on the ninth - his 18th - looked set to cost him dearly before a brilliant one-iron to 20 feet helped him save par. "For the first 16 holes I would have been moaning about shooting a 69 but after two good saves in the last two holes I'm quite happy," the 27-year-old Dubliner said.
"After that appalling drive I certainly wasn't moaning. But up until the last two holes I only missed one green. After my lesson with Bob Torrance on Monday the bad shots aren't coming from my swing but from my head."
Harrington, who just missed out on qualification for the 1997 Ryder Cup, is three off the lead held by Elliot Boult of New Zealand who hit a six- under 66 to set a new course record.
The Danish trio of Soren and Anders Hansen (no relation) and Nils Rorbaek are a shot back on five under with 11 players on four under including Scotland's Stephen Gallacher, the English duo of Andrew Oldcorn and Gary Emerson and Ireland's Paul McGinley.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments