Harrington takes lead, Tiger four shots back at Wachovia Championship

From WorldGolf.com News Services

Padraig Harrington shot a 6-under 66 to take the lead after the first round of the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte, N.C. Vijay Singh and Jason Bohn are a shot off the lead. A bogey on No. 18 left Tiger Woods four shots back with a 70, tied with Phil Mickelson.

The Wachovia is Harrington's first event following a three-week tournament hiatus, during which a cancerous growth, still in its early stages, was removed from his forehead. He resumed his practice schedule following the procedure.

Harrington credited his strong return to a new putter.

"I changed putters this week. I was so bad. I practiced my putting at home, and I went from putting very nicely to putting horrendously when I came back out," Harrington told reporters post-round.

"I ended up using a new putter shaft this week, something that's quite revolutionary, and it worked wonders. It has two lead weights right at the top just underneath the grip, and it changes the dynamics of the putter substantially. So good it should be banned."

Singh said the wind was a constant factor at Quail Hollow Country Club

"It was pretty tough at the end with the wind swirling around and it started blowing. I don't think there was any wind this morning," he told reporters. "I was just playing each hole at a time and trying to do the best I can. This is one mis-hit over here, it can cost you. I was really happy with my round."

Woods said weather would be the most important issue as the tournament progresses.

"If the wind dies down or it rains, the guys are probably going to make some birdies," he said. "Again, you're going to have to go out there and get it."

Trevor Immelman, making his first start since losing 22 pounds due to a stomach parasite he picked up during the Masters, was just two shots off the lead after shooting a 68.

"I was 178 [pounds] going into Augusta, I was down to 156 at one point. I'm glad to say I've picked up a couple pounds so I'm now 158. It's just great for me to be able to be out here again," Immelman told reporters. "The doctor said he thinks it was just some sort of parasite I picked up, and then I got a stomach infection on top of that."

May 4, 2007