Padraig Harrington admits he's not relishing two more rounds despite holding the halfway lead in the US Senior Open at the at Saucon Valley Country Club’s Old Course.
Harrington became eligible for the Seniors tour when he turned 50 last August and, having had three runners-up finishes in his last five events on the tour, he holds a one-shot advantage over Steve Stricker ahead of today's third round in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Stricker got the better of the Dubliner when they were opposing Ryder Cup captains at Whistling Straits last year.
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But Harrington will be determined to get the job done over the weekend in his first US Senior Open - and add to the four majors he has won on the regular Tour.
He is due out alongside Stricker at 7.55pm Irish time tonight.
After a level par opening round 71 on Thursday, the Stackstown man quickly recovered from the jolt of cracking his driver in the warm-up and, after picking up two birdies in his first three holes, shot a bogey-free second round 65 to catapult himself into pole position.
"I'm leading the tournament now, pity it's not 36 (holes)," he joked.
"I struggled with my knee, so I was really bad here Monday. I've been getting great physio and we're right on top of it.
"The physicality of 72 holes is tough at this stage. I don't hit as many balls now because of it. I've got to take it easier. I carry a few injuries, and you just have to mind yourself.
"I don't relish 72 holes. I knew Thursday's bad side of the draw didn't make any difference. I knew I had time to catch up.
"Nobody got away yesterday, and I didn't do myself any harm shooting par.
"With 72 holes and it being a US Open, everybody, even myself, when you get in that lead you tighten up and get a little bit cautious."
On the driver, Harrington explained: "I just hit a lot of drivers, and they eventually crack. I don't even use my tournament driver now when I'm at home practicing.
"Certainly wouldn't use it with a range ball or anything like that.
"But I do a lot of driver work, a lot of speed work. Especially with speed work, you're not hitting the middle of the club face, yeah.
"I think I'm the only one who's ever cracked one of those drivers, and I've done it three times now.
"I'm told the metal is the same metal they use in a Chinook helicopter blade, so I'm able to go through that."
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