Padraig Harrington wins third straight Irish PGA title

Padraig Harrington claimed the Irish PGA Championship for an incredible third straight time this weekend, with a 7-shot victory from nearest competitor Brian McElhinney.

It marks a timely return to form for the popular Irishman ahead of his defence of The Open Championship at Turnberry on Thursday. Prior to this even Harrington had missed the cut on five straight occasions.

If you haven't heard of the Irish PGA, it's because it isn't sanctioned by the European Tour - or indeed any tour. But being an Irishman, Harrington likes to use it to get ready for the British Open. Harrington has now won it six times.

"Obviously any time you tee it up in a tournament your want to win it. Whatever that tournament is it's always very pleasing to win. It's a nice feeling especially as I haven't been in that winner's enclosure for a little bit now so it's always nice to get a win in the bag,"

Winning it worked for the last two Opens - could it be a hat-trick of claret jugs too?

"Winning is a habit, there's no doubt about that. The more you win the better, regardless of where you are doing it. It's important to get out there and win. Yeah, it is important to win this week. The magnitude of the tournament is not as great as next week but winning is a habit and it's always good to be in winning form."

Harrington Fills The Tiger Void

Much was made of Tiger Woods' absence; who would step up? Big Fat Phil? El Choker? Some thought Kenny Perry would crown an amazing year with a major, if he could be bothered to show up.

Of course the answer was staring us all in our gormless faces, if Tiger could win on one knee, why couldn't Harrington with a dodgy wrist and eyelids that don't close? (have you ever seen Harrington blink? thought not)

Harrington becomes the first ever European to win back-to-back majors and cements his place in history as one of the great players of the modern era. He has taken full advantage of Woods' absence and stepped into the Tiger-void(*) many thought wouldn't be filled. But don't think any less of Harrington for this, let's not forget his breakthrough 2007 Open win.

The way Harrington chased Garcia down (again) was simply brilliant, he was relentless and focussed. His putting is incredible under pressure, his short game rock solid. Can he step up to the next level and attain true greatness? He thrives on adversity and being the underdog, Woods loves to be the top dog and get his nose out in front. It's going to be a battle alright.

If it's half as good as this year, 2009 is going to be one hell of a year for golf. We need rivalry in the game, think Nicklaus vs Palmer or Monty vs Monty's Wife.


*Prefixing things with Tiger is in. See also:

• Tiger-less
• Tiger-slam
• Tiger-ness