Harrington inspired alongside Woods

Padraig Harrington admitted he is inspired by playing partner Tiger Woods as he began the defence of his US PGA Championship title with a four-under-par 68 to lie just one shot behind the early leader.

Harrington was partnered at Hazeltine Golf Club in Minnesota by Rich Beem and Woods, his conqueror at Firestone last week, and he immediately settled into his game to fight Woods neck and neck for the entire 18 holes.

The American was the first to get to four under, with a birdie at the par-five third, his 12th, and Harrington joined him there thanks to another good iron shot at the sixth, from where he made a birdie three.

Harrington missed a birdie opportunity at the seventh but Woods, having left his eagle putt short, made no mistake from three feet with a birdie putt to go into the outright lead at five under, parring his way home to the clubhouse lead in 67.

'The great thing when you play with Tiger is that you know you're going to have to play the shots,' Harrington said.

'It puts you under more pressure and you feel like you might as well go after it rather than hang back.

'It actually helps you focus and you know you have to be on your very best form. It motivates you to play well.'

However, the Dubliner did admit to feeling tired at the end of the round and admitted his relief at getting back to the clubhouse just a shot behind Woods.