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 Jap Pennsylvania. He has added eight extra titles since then, which now consists of this week’s Simmons Financial institution Championship in Arkansas.
The Irishman made six birdies en path to a 5-under 67 on Sunday to say 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 accomplished the maths, however I’m informed I’m as much as fourth. I’m undecided how a lot I’m behind,” Harrington mentioned after the win.
“Hopefully, I’m shut sufficient {that a} win would handle it, not a win and second type of factor. Look, you need to be within the Charles Schwab Cup with an opportunity, you need to be there the final week if you happen to play properly, and look, there’s nothing taken with no consideration out right here. You’ve obtained to shoot — I say this: In these three rounds, it’s 17 beneath par this week, at the very least 15 most weeks, so that you’ve obtained to gap the putts, and also you’ve obtained to get the breaks. Okay, 72 holes, I want that, however you’ve nonetheless obtained to get the breaks and play properly. Will probably be an extended week and lots extra strain, however that’s why we play this recreation.”
In contrast to 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 12 months, 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.
It’s a must to make birdies on the PGA Tour Champions, and if you happen to fail to take action, others will go you by. Weir shot a 4-over 76 on Sunday, which sealed his destiny.
“That’s all the time the case, although, on the Champions Tour. You go on the market, and the primary couple holes, perhaps you’re treading water, and also you search for on the leaderboard, and there’s anyone 5, 6 beneath par,” Harrington added.
“Yeah, you’ve simply obtained to get with it. you’re going to must make some birdies. It’s actually robust if you happen to shoot degree par on the primary day; it’s practically the tip of the week for you. You’ve obtained to make these birdies and get going rapidly. I believe that was the toughest I believe after I began on the Champions Tour, I couldn’t consider the tempo it goes at. You’ve actually obtained to get going rapidly, or else you’ll be left behind.”
However Harrington has not been left within the mud. As an alternative, he continues to indicate 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 after I was a younger man was to play beginner golf. I solely turned professional as a result of I used to be beating the fellows who had been turning professional. However I’ve by no means regarded again. I’ve run with that ball, and golf has been excellent for me. It doesn’t get previous, although, successful, I’ve obtained to say. You continue to really feel anxious and nervous. That is the beauty of the Champions Tour. As you mentioned, I’ve gained 41 occasions [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 right now; there was an excellent ambiance. The final couple of holes with all of the water, there was a number of trepidation, a number of pleasure with it. Hitting these photographs wasn’t nearly successful this match, it was about reliving the previous glories. I’m not saying validating previous glories, however actually 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 Enjoying By means of. Be sure you try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.
