Paddy shoots 65 with 265 new swing changes

Padraig Harrington (Getty / Scott Halleran)

Some pros like to keep things simple with their golf swings. Others don't. Take Padraig Harrington, who is currently working on a new set of swing changes.

What changes?

"I don't waggle over the ball anymore. I only look up once now. I get it right, I only look up once, instead of twice, or three times."

"I try to take the club away with my arms more now, and trying to leave my hips behind in the takeaway, and trying to stop squatting in my takeaway."

"I had to change my plane in the backswing because I don't have such a big hip turn from address."

"Quite a significant one was I changed my shoulder turn. I have recurring neck problems so I'm trying to swing my shoulder into my chin now and tuck my chin in more at the top of my backswing."

"And the downswing, I'm trying to get my hands a little bit lower and keep the heel down a bit."

Allright then. 

So far, so good for Harrington as he just shot 65 in the first round of the HSBC Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi and currently is in 2nd place behind Charl Schwartzel.

Padraig: "Can you believe they put us on the clock?"

Tiger: "I know, what the #&*&%? Don't worry, I'm going to say something in my press conference. I don't even care if I get fined."

Padraig: "Allright, sounds good. See you at the PGA"

photo by Fred Vuich/SI

Tiger vs. Paddy

Not much needs to be said about this match up. Both Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington are in strong form as of late and this should be a great final round to watch. The world #1 faces a three shot deficit to Harrington, who has won two of the last five majors. Many golf fans have been waiting to see these two square off, and it will be interesting to see how Harrington handles the pressure of playing with Tiger. It should be a good warm up for both of them, as they will also be paired together for the first two rounds at the PGA Championship starting next week.

Final round tee times for the WGC at Firestone.