Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Harrington plays his second shot on the first hole during Day One of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch Golf Club on July 04, 2019 in Lahinch, Ireland. 

By Kent Gray
So far so good for the (purely fictional) Dubai Duty Free Irish Open scriptwriters.

Home hero Padriag Harrington rekindled his love for links golf with an opening 63 at Lahinch Golf Club to will take a one stroke lead into the second round of the $7 million Rolex Series event today.

The seven-under-par loop of the Co. Clare layout was the 47-year-old Irishman’s lowest opening round in 18 years on the European Tour. You can check out the highlights from the three-time major champion here:

Seems Harrington, who won the 2007 Irish Open and will lead Europe in next year’s Ryder Cup, treated himself afterwards and why not.

South African Zander Lombard looms largest in Harrington’s rearview mirror heading into day two while seven players including Ryder Cupper Thorbjorn Olesen and cult hero Eddie Pepperell shared third overnight after opening 65s.

But Harrington, 48 next month, clearly has no intention on sliding into the background as he eyes the summer’s links events, culminating in the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush beginning on July 18.

“I like playing links golf and I knew coming into this run that if I get my head in the game I have an advantage,” he said.

“Today  I did a lot of good things and holed a few putts here and there and got a few breaks – it all adds up to 63 which is nice. I didn’t expect 63 out of it.

“It would definitely be up there with one of the simplest, easiest, most pleasant days ever on the links.

“I know I don’t have to play as well as that for the next three days. It would be nice if I did but we’ll just go out there and try and do more of the same. If nothing good happens for the next three days, so be it. I know I’m on the right track.”

It seems the home fans will go to extraordinary lengths to follow their countryman.

Meanwhile, Pepperell took on Kiwi Ryan Fox in a bit of pre-tournament fun. Enjoy.