A WEARY Padraig Harrington found himself six shots behind joint leaders Nick Price and Ignacio Garrido after the opening round of the Hassan II Trophy on the King's course at Royal Dar Es Salam yesterday.

Harrington has journeyed to Morocco direct from finishing 19th in the Sarazen World Open in Atlanta, barely having time to catch breath after landing at London's Gatwick Airport on Monday morning, then dashing to Heathrow for the onward journey to Casablanca.

Along with the rest of the elite field of 28 professionals celebrating the 25th anniversary of the event, he was plunged straight into the festivities that not only involve golf but cocktail parties and banquets, which all the players are expected to attend.

"I am just so mentally tired that I had no inspiration," admitted Harrington. "I was quite happy with my performance at Atlanta, but rather than take two weeks off before the World Cup I decided to play here. Next week I can rest before going down to Durban and linking up with Darren (Clarke)."