'Very poor today mentally' - Padraig Harrington unhappy despite solid start to Senior Open at Gleneagles

Padraig Harrington played himself into contention in the Senior Open, but was not happy with how he approached the event mentally. The three-time major winner has tiptoed over the age of 50, meaning he is now eligible for senior events. Ad/> He showed his class by winning the US Senior Open earlier in the year, and is looking to back that up at Gleneagles.

Golf'It’s crazy at the moment' — Els says LIV is not real golf but feels it has role to playAN HOUR AGO Harrington carded a 66 in fiery conditions, which he said was built on the good work of his putter. He will look to be more aggressive on Friday, and will also attempt to change his mental approach. «I was very tentative,” Harrington said.

“I putted well and my putter saved me most of the day. I was just tentative with my iron shots particularly. “I should have been a bit more aggressive into the greens.” 'It hurts me' — Rahm defends Garcia and calls for tours to hold talks with LIV Golf Matsuyama hits three balls in the water on same hole First Round Leaderboard T1.

Stephen Ames, six-under T1. Glen Day, six-under T3. Paul Broadhurst, five-under T3.

Jerry Kelly, five-under T3. Kent Jones, five-under T3. Darren Clarke, five-under T7.

Simon Khan, four-under T7. Scott Parel, four-under T7. Padraig Harrington, four-under T7.

Miguel Angel Martin, four-under T7. Dicky Pride, four-under T7. Thongchai Jaidee, four-under T7.

Ernie Els, four-under Harrington is famed for his work ethic, but he claims the problem he had on Thursday would not be solved by hitting balls on the range. “I thought I was very poor today mentally,” Harrington said. “I ain't going to find that on the range.