Pádraig Harrington, a distinguished 53-year-old golfer from Dublin, has matured like a fine vintage, demonstrating his prowess across three tours in this year alone – the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and the Champions Tour. His recent triumph at the Simmons Bank Championship in Arkansas, marking his third win this season on the American Champions circuit, has planted the possibility of ending the year as the highest ranked player.
There’s only one tournament left for the season – the Charles Schwab Cup in Phoenix, due next week. Harrington has advanced up the points ladder, sitting in fourth place from his previous 11th, getting ever closer to surpassing Ernie Els. Steven Alker and Stephen Ames are the two golfers standing in his way.
During his final round at Arkansas, Harrington showed his strong form, teeing a 320-yard drive on the par-5 18th hole, which led to a closing birdie. This allowed him to finish with a 17-under-par 199 of 67, a couple of strokes ahead of second-place finisher YE Yang on the final day. He is now gunning for Els’ position with undiminished determination.
Harrington, who originally turned professional following successes in amateur matches against other players turning pro, is heading towards a potential 41st career victory as he sets off for Phoenix. Even as a three-time Major champion, he steps into the upcoming tournament with undiluted enthusiasm.
His career, though initially focused on amateur golf, has been rich and rewarding since making the professional leap. Despite growing older and achieving multiple wins, each victory still carries a certain thrill and a dose of anxiety. Champions Tour allows him to revisit and recreate past glories, making each of his 41 triumphs uniquely special.
Harrington has certainly not lost his competitive edge. He has taken part in 14 games this season on the Champions Tour, marking victories at the Hoag Classic, the Dick’s Open, and the Simmons Bank. He’s also competed in 12 events across the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Harrington’s performance was impressive at the recent BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, where he landed in a tied-12th spot. He also secured a top-25 position at The Open at Royal Troon.
Harrington will be after Els at the Charles Schwab Cup, a tournament which he won in 2022 by an impressive seven strokes. Familiar territory for him. He shared, “I simply carry on doing as I have been, just as when I won the Simmons Bank. I’m not looking to bring anything new to the game, just play my regular way. The golf course in Phoenix fits my game, so hopefully I catch a few breaks throughout the week and put myself in contention. I’m pleased about 72 holes, I enjoy the added rounds. I’m excited. There are so many great players, nothing can be assumed. A strong week is necessity.”
Reminiscing his ‘glory days’, he said, “Being in the heat of competition and executing shots under pressure, it takes me back to my younger years. On the Champions Tour, it feels like I’m reliving past triumphs… what other sport would provide such an opportunity to feel like a superstar once again?”