Play is underway in the first round of the Transitions Championship and, with the exception of a certain three-time major winner, players are struggling to make significant inroads against par.

The outlier, somewhat unexpectedly, is Padraig Harrington, who’s positively laid waste to the opening 13 holes.

Currently seven-under-par, he enjoys a three-shot lead over a quintet of players that includes Kevin Streelman, John Senden and drunken tomfoolery’s Jeff Overton.

The day, however, promises even more in the way of excitement:

• Bud Cauley (who turns 22 tomorrow), Ryo Ishikawa (20) and Tom Lewis (21) will play the opening 36 holes in each other’s company. Could this group be – cue hyperbolic orchestral interlude – The Future of Golf?

• Lucas Glover’s comeback is gathering a little momentum. The 2009 US Open champion, who has spent this week telling anyone who’ll listen – journalists, young autograph hunters, strangers on the street – how much he loves the Copperhead layout, is two-under through 11.

• Incredibly, Jesper Parnevik is under par.

Conor Nagle