Thirty six year old Padraig Harrington has booked himself a spot at the top table of golfing legends with his back-to-back major wins in the same year, when he secured the 90th USPGA Championship at Oakland Hills.
Fresh from his victory at Royal Birkdale, Harrington took the mantle of first European in almost eighty years to win the PGA Championship from Spain’s Sergio Garcia. The last European winner was Scotland’s Tommy Armour way back in 1930.
Harringtons winning margin was two shot when he finished at three under after a 66, this gave him victory over Sergio Garcia and America’s Ben Curtis. Harrington became the first European ever to win consecutive majors in the same year. Greats such as Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sandy Lyle never managed to do. Harrington now joins the likes of Tiger Woods, Nick Price and Walter Hagen as the only players to win the final two majors in the same year.
Harrington who was five over when the third round was stopped due to adverse weather conditions on Saturday evening. Harrington came out fighting on Sunday with straight birdies to finished on 66 to trail the leader Curtis (2003 Open champion) by three. Harrington had a quick nap as you do before heading into his final round.
After his victory Harrington explained how he seems to play his best golf when he is under pressure. It brings the best out of his game as he actually struggles when all is going according to plan. Harrington said “I want to be fighting it”, he’s been working on his mental game with sports psychologist Bob Rotella.
Harrington has grown to love the thrill of the back nine on the final day of the big tournaments. “I know I love the idea of the back nine of a major on a Sunday,” said the Irishman. Harrington is now at a bit of a loose end as he has to wait another seven months before the next open. Harrington’s current form should bode well for Europe’s Ryder cup hopes where he will be teaming up with fellow European Garcia.
