Harrington makes solid return

ST JUDE CLASSIC: PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON made an encouraging start to his return to competition after an injury-enforced lay-off …

ST JUDE CLASSIC:PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON made an encouraging start to his return to competition after an injury-enforced lay-off during yesterday's opening round of the St Jude Classic in Tennessee.

The Dubliner, who started on the back nine at the TPC Southwind course in Memphis, went out in one under par, with eight pars and that lone birdie at the par five 16th.

Three relatively unknown Americans were tied for the early clubhouse lead at four under after opening 66s, John Merrick, Kris Banks and Kevin Kisner.

Meanwhile, ticket prices for the US Open have dropped 20 per cent on the resale market since Tiger Woods withdrew from the event two days ago.

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Four-day tickets to the tournament on EBay Inc’s Stubhub dropped to $402 from almost $500 on June 7th, when Woods withdrew because of leg injuries, spokesman Glenn Lehrman said.

Lehrman said he anticipates prices will continue to drop another 17 per cent by next week.

The tournament, the year’s second major championship, begins next Thursday at Congressional Country Club outside Washington.