Harrington makes slow start in Los Angeles

Golf: Pádraig Harrington made a sluggish start on his seasonal debut at the €4

Golf:Pádraig Harrington made a sluggish start on his seasonal debut at the €4.6million Northern Trust Open in California.

The Dubliner traded three bogeys with two birdies for a one-over 72 in yesterday's opening round of the PGA Tour event where Phil Mickelson is aiming for an unprecedented three wins in a row.

The world number two lefthander, who opted to remove the controversial Ping wedge with square grooves out of his bag this week, was one of the late starters at the Riviera Country Club.

American Dustin Johnson was the early clubhouse leader after he signed for a seven-under 64.