Harrington in the hunt

Last updated: 19th March 2010

Padraig Harrington is in the hunt for another title in Florida after what he calls "a great day out" at the White House.

Ireland's three-time major winner, who flew to Washington for a St Patrick Day's dinner with President Obama on Wednesday, will resume the Transitions Championship at Palm Harbor on Friday four behind leader Garrett Willis.

Harrington, who finished his three-under-par opening round of 68 by holing a bunker shot, did not actually meet the President, but was still left with many memories.

The Dubliner took a set of Wilson clubs as a gift - left-handed ones - plus a bag embossed with the ornate presidential seal where the professional's name usually goes.

"I know he will get them and hopefully he will like them," said Harrington, who estimated there were about 150 people at the reception. "Nice way to celebrate St Patrick's Day,"

Obama addressed the entire gathering and then came out to shake hands, but Harrington missed out on that as he had a private plane waiting to return to the tournament.

He did, though, have the chance to wander around the White House and added: "The day was more enjoyable than I thought it would be.

"The actual White House was far better. I just liked the fact that it was very welcoming. That was the thing that stood out the most.

"You could go and sit in the library. It was just very relaxing in that sense. The people there were very friendly."

Willis, playing on a sponsor invitation and 251st in the world, ended the day two strokes in front of Swede Carl Pettersson, defending champion Retief Goosen and home quartet Jim Furyk, Jonathan Byrd, Jeff Maggert and rising star Rickie Fowler.