Originally published Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 8:57 PM

Willis fires 65 for 2-shot PGA lead

Padraig Harrington didn't have the best score at Innisbrook, just one of the biggest smiles. He finished his opening round Thursday at the...

By The Associated Press

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Padraig Harrington didn't have the best score at Innisbrook, just one of the biggest smiles.

He finished his opening round Thursday at the Transitions Championship by holing out a bunker shot for birdie on the 18th hole, then happily shared memories of his first trip to the White House and a St. Patrick's Day celebration with President Obama.

Garrett Willis, who only learned two weeks ago that he received an exemption to his hometown event, made five birdies on the back for a 6-under-par 65 and a two-shot lead over defending champion Retief Goosen and five others.

Harrington had to settle for a 69 in his first trip to Innisbrook.

It was the day before — a whirlwind trip to Washington for his favorite holiday — that kept him so upbeat. He explored various rooms in the White House, then went to a gala hosted by Obama and Ireland's prime minister.

The only regret? Not taking the opportunity to greet Obama.

"When it finished off, people obviously were going up to say hello, and I sort of stayed back," Harrington said. "I missed the opportunity, but it will happen again."

Willis' round turned after getting into trouble on the 10th, where he drove into the trees and then went over the green. Instead of another bogey, he chipped in for birdie, the first of three in a row.

"Next thing you know, it's just birdie after birdie," said Willis, who picked them up on the par 5s, and with a pair of 15-foot putts.

Jeff Maggert shot a 4-under 67 to join Goosen, Jim Furyk, Carl Pettersson, Jonathan Byrd and Rickie Fowler.

Goosen already is a two-time winner at Innisbrook and continues to rely on a belly putter and a cross-handed grip. It seems to be working, and he made enough for a strong start to his title defense.

Ryan Moore of Puyallup shot an even-par 71. Former Husky Alex Prugh had a 78.

Other tournament

• Nick Dougherty of England shot a 7-under 66 for a one-shot lead after the first round of the Trophee Hassan II tournament in Rabat, Morocco.

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