While Ryder Cup stars Paul Casey, Robert Karlsson and Colin Montgomerie were sharpening their matchplay skills with second round victories at Wentworth Club, Padraig Harrington’s programme of fine-tuning for next week’s showdown with the USA at the K Club was very much in order as he moved into a share of the lead with Scotland’s Gary Orr at the XXXII Banco de Madrid Valle Romano Open de Madrid Golf Masters.
Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain, Ian Woosnam, will be delighted with the form shown by so many of his charges ahead of next week’s Ryder Cup, and he can include Darren Clarke among those members of 12 man Team who are coming into top form.
Clarke put on a fantastic display of ball-striking during round two of the XXXII Banco de Madrid Valle Romano Open de Madrid Golf Masters. The only difference between himself and Harrington at La Moraleja II was to be found in their respective putting strokes.
While Clarke struggled to convert any of the dozen or so excellent birdie chances he created, Harrington was in superb form on the greens as he posted a seven under par 65 to join Orr on 12 under 132 at the halfway stage.
Harrington’s day on the greens was perfectly summed up on the ninth, his last hole of the day, as he converted a 43 foot eagle chance after a monstrous 403 yard drive to the fringe of the putting surface on the downhill par four.
That moved him to 12 under for the tournament, level with Orr, who matched Harrington’s opening scores of 67-65, and one ahead of England’s Ian Poulter, who produced a fine 66 for an 11 under 133 total.
“The putts have certainly dropped for me on the first two days,” said Harrington, “and I have made a lot of birdies which is good for the matchplay format next week.”
Clarke was hugely encouraged by his form from tee to green, saying: “I am delighted with the way that I am hitting the ball from tee green, but the putter’s not working.
“I have put myself in the position of coming out to play this week and I have played well enough to be in contention. I haven’t scored well enough but I have played well enough. I feel that way anyway. If I wasn’t happy with my game then I would certainly say, but I am. I am hitting the ball exactly the way that I want to at the minute.”
With the Ryder Cup focus and hype building momentum, Orr almost sneaked his way into the lead alongside Harrington. The Scot, who is enjoying a fine season having accumulated €428,884 in prizemoney to move to 51st on the Order of Merit, is looking to add to his two European Tour career victories in Madrid this weekend.
“There’s a long way to go and a lot of guys in a good position but if I can produce that kind of quality over the weekend I’ll be looking good,” said the Scot.
“I actually lost my card at this tournament two years ago – I’m just glad we have come back to a different course! It’s probably just as well. It has been a good season, though. I played well last year to get my card back and then have continued that this season. I’d love to win again – that’s what everyone is aiming for. I think I’ll have to go low over the weekend but I am happy to be in this position.”
