Harrington won two major titles last year, but has only one top-15 finish in 14 appearances on the PGA Tour this season. He finished tied for 65th last month in his bid to win a third straight British Open title.
In his first tournament since the British Open, Harrington rode a hot putter at the Firestone Country Club's South Course to his lowest round of the year.
Prayad Marksaeng, Tim Clark and Scott Verplank shared second place at 66 while Steve Stricker, Ian Poulter and Zach Johnson were all at 67.
Among those at 68 was Tiger Woods, who hit only five fairways. Woods has won this tournament six times and is seeking his second straight PGA Tour victory.
"Played all right, nothing great," Woods said. "I missed the ball in the correct spots and kind of hung around all day."
Phil Mickelson, playing for the first time since the U.S. Open, shot an even-par 70 and was tied for 27th place in the 80-player field.
Mickelson has missed significant time on the tour this summer while his wife and mother have undergone treatment for breast cancer.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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