Padraig Harrington predicts he is in for a long weekend if he continues to lead from the front in the KitchenAid Senior Championship.
Harrington is eyeing a second senior tour major to add to his three majors on the regular tour after opening with rounds of 64 - a new course record - and 68 for 12-under par and a three shot lead over Japan's Katsumasa Miyamoto at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas.
But there are 10 former major or senior major champions inside the top 15 and waiting for the Dubliner to slip up - including former Open champ Stewart Cink, who is new to the senior tour, and Steve Stricker - with the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy on the line.
READ MORE: Padraig Harrington sets course record with stunning 64 at Senior PGA Championship
Harrington is leading in all the right statistics, including putting, scrambling and greens in regulation.
"Just generally the game has been good. Clearly all parts of it. All through my game has been very solid," said the 51-year-old.
“I'm happy to be where I am (but) I feel I kind of missed a chance today."
He admits that Friday's second round was much more of a grind than the first round.
“When you're going out for your second round and you're still on top of the leaderboard, and you're hoping you can shoot a low one and get away from them," said the Stackstown man.
"It didn't play like that. It was a bit constrained, I would say. Yesterday was a very easy 64. Today was a harder-fought 68.
“You want to be a little bit freer and take a few more chances, but sometimes when you're leading you just get a little bit cautious.
“That's why, I suppose it happens all the time in golf, it's very, very difficult for a leader to move away from the field.
"It's easy for the field to chase them down because there's a bit of freedom. They have nothing to lose. Obviously I have another 36 holes of that coming up, so it's going to be a long weekend for me."
A pair of three-under par 69s from Darren Clarke has the Northern Irishman well positioned in tied fifth place.
READ NEXT:
- Irish wonderkid courted by German clubs
- Ireland World Cup warm-up fixtures confirmed
- Celtic boss Postecoglou linked with Tottenham Hotspur job
- GAA chiefs hope to host NFL game at Croke Park within five years
- Rachael Blackmore given 5 day ban after controversial ride
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
