Mixed day for Harrington
by Nick Royle, 05 July 2008
Ireland’s Padraig Harrington hit a three-under par 69 in the third round of The European Open in Kent on Saturday, ahead of his defence of the British Open title at Royal Birkdale.
The round leaves him five-under-par for the tournament, but the Dubliner will rue the fact that it could have been so much better, after a blistering start.
Harrington reached the turn in five after birdies at the first, sixth and eighth, and an eagle on the fifth.
However, he then hit four bogeys on the back nine to ruin much of his earlier work, despite another eagle on the 15th.
The 36-year-old admits his aggressive strategy meant that he hit the water on 18, and was lucky to escape with a five on the par-four hole.
"Yesterday I was able to hit it down the right to avoid the water," Harrington told reporters afterwards. "I wish I had done that today.
"It was pretty windy all day. I had a pitching wedge into the 15th [one of his two eagle holes] and had to aim 50 yards off the green but the course is set up nicely, the pin positions are reasonable and there are plenty of opportunities."
Compatriot Gary Murphy shot a 73 to drop to level par.
France’s Jean van der Velde hit a 70 to end up four-under after day three, whilst Justin Rose hit a five–over 77 to end the day three-under for the tournament.
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