Barclays 2012: Day 1 Leaderboard Updates, Highlights and More

Day 1 of the Barclays 2012 is done and the PGA Tour event at the Bethpage Black Course hosted exciting action during the opening round. 

Padraig Harrington stole the spotlight, taking sole possession of the lead by shooting a 64 on Thursday.

Dustin Johnson won the tournament last year and he showed through the first 18 rounds that his swing continues to be on point at this time of year, ending the round with a 67. 

Golf's biggest names all showed up to play, with Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald all finishing under par. Woods and Donald sit at three-under, while McIlroy was two-under on the day.

Here is a look at the top of the leaderboard.

Position	Player	Score
1	Padraig Harrington	-7
T2	Nick Watney	-6
T2	Brian Harman	-6
T4	Pat Perez	-5
T4	Sergio Garcia	-5
T4	Gary Christian	-5
T4	Jimmy Walker	-5
T8	George McNeill	-4
T8	K.J. Choi	-4
T8	Dustin Johnson	-4

The full leaderboard is available via ESPN.com.

Highlights

Coming off a victory at the PGA Championship, Rory McIlroy is still hot. This fantastic chip on the seventh hole led to a birdie. 

Brandt Snedeker showed how good he can be at the Open Championship earlier this summer, and did so again with this eagle, also on hole No. 7.

Twitter Reaction

South African journalist Dan Retief took note of how many players players were posting impressive scores through the first 18 holes. As any writer would, he used a pun to make his point. 

"

Looking at Barclays leader board on PGA Tour they're going to have to call the course Beth Page Red

— Dan Retief (@retiefdan) August 23, 2012"

The European Tour's Twitter noted that Paddy Harrington's fine play could have benefits beyond Bethpage if the Irishman continues to perform at the same level.

"

Padraig Harrington shoots 64 (-7) for early lead in The Barclays as he looks to catch Ollie's eye in bid for @rydercupteameur wild card.

— The European Tour (@European_Tour) August 23, 2012"

The Golf Channel's Jason Sobel notes that Harrington might have to go above and beyond in order to get on the Ryder Cup team. 

"

Jose Maria Olazabal says Padraig Harrington needs "at least a win" to get captain's pick. What's more than a win? Hmm. Straight cash, homey.

— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGC) August 23, 2012"

The second round will kick off at 7:10 a.m. ET tomorrow. All tee times are available at PGATour.com.