Harrington braced for back nine battle

Padraig Harrington. Picture: Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.iePadraig Harrington took just 24 hours to change his tune on Atlanta Athletic Club.

The Dubliner played the front nine on Monday and predicted low scoring on a 7,400-yard track he described as a “nice playable course.” But after tackling the back nine in 90 degree temperatures he’s now bracing himself for a wild ride.

He said: “It’s a lot tougher. Much tougher than the front nine.

“The 10th, 11th and 12th are okay but from the 15th on it’s a different story.

“If you need to make a par four down the last here to win the tournament and you do, then you deserve it. Definitely.”

He knows there is no hiding place on the tight, 507-yard 18th where water lurks off the tee and in front of the green.

He said: “The 18th is tough. Very tough. That hole is going to cause a lot of problems. Absolutely.”