Harrington moves up; Power, Lowry and McDowell slip back in FedEx Cup race
Padraig Harrington hits his tee shot on the 14th hole during round one of the 99th PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club. Picture: Scott Halleran/PGA of America
Seamus Power, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell slipped down the projected FedEx Cup rankings but Padraig Harrington's 66 gave him a boost after a low scoring opening day at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro.
Harrington's four-under par left him tied for 18th, five strokes adrift of Matt Every, whose nine-under 61 gave him a one-shot lead over Henrik Stenson.
Harrington is projected to move up to 188th in the standings as he seeks to move into the top 125 who will contest the first playoff event.
If the Dubliner fails to make the 125 this week — he needs second place at worst — he will have an estimated nine events next season to make up the points deficit thanks to a Medical Exemption having missed two months of the season following neck surgery.
Power and Lowry both shot three under 67s to share 34th but fell down the projected rankings with the West Waterford man currently projected to move from safety at 123rd to 127th.
As things stand, Power is just one shot away from making the Playoffs as he needs to finish tied 18th or better.
Lowry is exempt next year but could make the Playoffs if he finishes tied third or better.
As for Graeme McDowell, who is also exempt next season, he is currently tied for 117th after a one-over par 71 and is five strokes outside the T18 finish he needs to make the Playoffs.
