Harrington soars into clubhouse lead at Valero Texas Open

Padraig Harrington carded a superb opening round 68 on the first day of the Valero Texas Open to enjoy a share of the clubhouse lead.

Thursday's action had been delayed more than three hours because of multiple fog delays, but it had little effect on the three-time major winner who lit up the course and sits on four-under par alongside Matt Kuchar, South Africa's MJ Daffue and Mexico's Roberto Diaz.

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Harrington began on the back nine and a missed seven-foot putt saw the 51-year-old drop a shot at the 12th.

The recent World Golf Hall of Fame inductee quickly clawed that back at the par-5 15th where a superb approach went close to an eagle.

A couple of birdies followed before the Dubliner went on a run five birdies in the next seven holes, with a three-putt bogey sandwiched in between at the second.

A 16ft putt ensured a birdie at the fourth, and he followed that with his sixth and final one of the day at the fifth, closing with two pars.

A number of players had yet to complete their first rounds, including Castleknock native David Carey, who found the going difficult on his first PGA Tour start.

The 26-year-old, who began on the back nine, carded four bogeys and two double bogeys in first eight holes, before steadying the ship somewhat with birdies at 18, the first and fourth holes.

He was seven-over through 17 holes.

The tournament's opening tee shot, originally scheduled for 7:30 a.m. local, was postponed for 48 minutes because of the lack of visibility. Play only lasted 24 minutes before being suspended again.

The round resumed at 11.20am, with both suspensions combined lasting three hours and 26 minutes.