Padraig Harrington
Profile
Although one or Irelands most loved sons started playing golf at twice the age of Tiger, you can hardly say that at the ripe old age of 4, Padraig was a late starter.
After spending many of his younger days practising and trying to catch up with his Father, Uncle and two brothers who all played off 5, at the age of just 15 he was playing of scratch.
As his golfing career progressed, so did his accumulation of trophies, the most notable of which was in 1995 when he won the Irish Open.
When he took the next big jump up to Professional level his talent was proving to be more than just a lucky run of victories. Padraig's professional career began with success at the European Tour School where he earned his full Tour card for 1996.
He made the cut at each of his first nine European Tour events, including five top-10 finishes and a remarkable win at the Spanish Open. This was done in style against a strong field, leading from the front for most of the tournament. Other top ten finishes saw him finish 11th in the Order of Merit for the year and secured him places in the Irish Dunhill Cup and World Cup teams. Such achievements were incredible in his first year as a professional.
More recently, he has won back to back wins at the British Open, the most recent of which was played in horrendous conditions at Royal Birkdale, where he battled the elements and won with an incredible victory.
Ryder Cup Prospects
Padraig goes into the Ryder with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. His run of form has almost made him a “banker” when it comes to scoring points in the cup, but all too often at the Ryder Cup , this anticipation of success does not always bear fruit.
Personally, I have confidence that Padraig can bring with him the “luck of the Irish” to Louisville and show us his true ability to perform under pressure. His Psychologist has helped him immeasurably over the past few years and coupled with his recent form and resulting confidence, Padraig may be the lucky charm the Europeans need.