Sleepy start for Harrington at Celtic Manor

Padraig Harrington did not get off to the fast start he wanted on day one of the Ryder Cup. As for his off course leadership in the team room, he was hardly the life and soul of the party either.

The Dubliner found himself two down after two holes with fourball partner Luke Donald to US rookies Bubba Watson and Jeff Overtonin the anchor match before torrential rain forced a suspension in play.

So what did he do when he got back to the clubhouse but take the opportunity to grab a few minutes shut eye.

Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy immediately snapped a picture and put it up on Twitter.

Poulter wrote: “Paddy Harrington relaxing in the changing room. Pure class.”

McIlroy added: “Obviously didn’t sleep too well last night Paddy…..”

The US team were reported to have sent a helper to the Merchandise Tent to buy new waterproofs after the basketball warm up style versions they are sporting apparently leaked badly.

McIlroy couldn’t resist a dig at the American, tweeting: “Just have to say our waterproofs are performing very well!”

Despite McIlroy’s claims, we also hear that the European wives and partners had to buy rain suits as their official issue garments were not remotely waterproof.