McGinley leads pal Harrington by a long neck

Paul McGinley today tamed a wild West Course at Wentworth to claim a two-shot clubhouse lead over dining companion Padraig Harrington in the BMW Championship.

Last night McGinley, who has a home in nearby Sunningdale, entertained his close friend and fellow Irishman to a dinner of lemon chicken - Harrington revealing how he got it in the neck from his host for feeding leftovers to McGinley's dog.

The Irishman got it in the neck again this morning when a tweaked neck muscle almost caused him to quit the European Tour's flagship tournament.

"If this hadn't been such an important event, or if it was the week before a major, I would have pulled out," said Harrington. "As it was, I only decided to play 20 minutes before my tee time."

The risk paid dividends as Harrington carded a four under par 68 to go into the weekend on six under.

But he was second best to Ryder Cup team-mate McGinley, famous for sinking the winning putt in the 2002 match at The Belfry. Having resumed this morning on level par he tore round in an eight-under 64 with only a missed putt from 10ft at the last stopping him equalling the course record.