Since becoming a member of the PGA Tour Champions in 2022, Padraig Harrington has had fairly the senior profession—which ought to come as no shock now that he’s a member of the World Golf Corridor of Fame.
He burst onto the 50-and-older scene with a vengeance, successful the 2022 U.S. Senior Open at Saucon Valley in Japanese Pennsylvania. He has added eight extra titles since then, which now contains this week’s Simmons Financial institution Championship in Arkansas.
The Irishman made six birdies en path to a 5-under 67 on Sunday to assert his third title of the season. He gained by two over Y.E. Yang, who famously defeated Tiger Woods on the 2009 PGA Championship in Minnesota.
Harrington’s victory additionally improved his rating within the Charles Schwab Cup standings, which is analogous to the FedEx Cup. The Dubliner is now fourth with just one occasion left this season: the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Phoenix Nation Membership in two weeks’ time.
“I haven’t performed the maths, however I’m informed I’m as much as fourth. I’m unsure how a lot I’m behind,” Harrington mentioned after the win.
“Hopefully, I’m shut sufficient {that a} win would care for it, not a win and second form of factor. Look, you need to be within the Charles Schwab Cup with an opportunity, you need to be there the final week in case you play properly, and look, there’s nothing taken without any consideration out right here. You’ve received to shoot — I say this: In these three rounds, it’s 17 below par this week, a minimum of 15 most weeks, so that you’ve received to gap the putts, and also you’ve received to get the breaks. Okay, 72 holes, I choose that, however you’ve nonetheless received to get the breaks and play properly. It will likely be an extended week and lots extra stress, however that’s why we play this sport.”
Not like common occasions on the PGA Tour Champions, that are three rounds of 18-hole stroke play, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship consists of 72 holes. Solely the highest 36 gamers after the Simmons Financial institution Championship qualify, and sadly, this yr, Worldwide Presidents Cup Captain Mike Weir is the primary man out of the sphere. Weir completed in a tie for forty sixth this week in Arkansas and dropped outdoors the top-36 threshold to thirty seventh.
You must make birdies on the PGA Tour Champions, and in case you fail to take action, others will cross you by. Weir shot a 4-over 76 on Sunday, which sealed his destiny.
“That’s at all times the case, although, on the Champions Tour. You go on the market, and the primary couple holes, possibly you’re treading water, and also you lookup on the leaderboard, and there’s anyone 5, 6 below par,” Harrington added.
“Yeah, you’ve simply received to get with it. You already know you’re going to should make some birdies. It’s actually robust in case you shoot stage par on the primary day; it’s practically the tip of the week for you. You’ve received to make these birdies and get going shortly. I feel that was the toughest I feel once I began on the Champions Tour, I couldn’t imagine the tempo it goes at. You’ve actually received to get going shortly, or else you’ll be left behind.”
However Harrington has not been left within the mud. As a substitute, he continues to point out why he’s the best Irish golfer to have ever performed the sport. And but, humorous sufficient, that was by no means his intent.
“My intention once I was a younger man was to play beginner golf. I solely turned professional as a result of I used to be beating the blokes who have been turning professional. However I’ve by no means appeared again. I’ve run with that ball, and golf has been superb for me. It doesn’t get previous, although, successful, I’ve received to say. You continue to really feel anxious and nervous. That is the wonderful thing about the Champions Tour. As you mentioned, I’ve gained 41 instances [in my career], however I’m reliving my glories right here. I’m reliving my previous wins,” Harrington mentioned.
“There was an unbelievable crowd right here at the moment; there was an amazing ambiance. The final couple of holes with all of the water, there was quite a lot of trepidation, quite a lot of pleasure with it. Hitting these photographs wasn’t nearly successful this event, it was about reliving the previous glories. I’m not saying validating previous glories, however definitely reliving it. Hey, I did this as soon as, and I used to be fairly good at it, and I’m not too dangerous at it now.”
He’s nonetheless fairly good certainly.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in Via. Make sure to try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.
