Harrington rediscovers his mojo
Padraig Harrington reckons he’s rediscovered his ‘mental edge’, and hopes his Honda Classic victory is the start of even better things.
The Irishman claimed his first PGA Tour win since the 2008 US PGA Championship as he beat Daniel Berger on the second play-off hole at PGA National.
The victory was far from straightforward. After seizing the lead with four consecutive birdies from the 11th, Harrington looked to have blown it when he double-bogeyed the 17th.
But the 43-year-old nailed a clutch 16-footer for birdie at the last to force his way into the play-off, and then sealed the deal with a superb eagle on the second hole.
A fighting performance like that must surely be a confidence builder, and Harrington says he’s feeling good about his game again.
“I was pretty keen on my own form at different stages but I wasn’t delivering,” he told Sky Sports 4. “2012 I played well, I putted very badly, I had the yips.
“It was tough after that but last week I kind of found something in the mental game which is what’s been going wrong.
“I stuck with that this week. It worked half the time, sometimes it didn’t work but I’m very happy with it.”
He added: “When I get in contention I can hit the shots. The problem has been actually when I’m starting the week, middle of the road shots, easy shots, I’m just not hitting them.
“When I’ve got tough shots I can hit them.
“Hopefully this isn’t an isolated win.
“I really do believe in myself. I think I’ve found that mental edge that I’ve been lacking the last number of years.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to stick with that going forward and be consistently contending because I know if I am contending I can win.”
Latest
-
NewsSergio Garcia feeling rested and ready for Ryder Cup after wild card ‘gamble’
The Spaniard has won 25.5 points at the Ryder Cup.
-
NewsSweden’s Kristoffer Broberg holds a narrow halfway lead in the Dutch Open
Nine birdies helped him to a score of 64 in the second round at Bernardus Golf.
-
NewsAny rest for Rory and will practice make US perfect? – Ryder Cup talking points
The United States will be hoping to make the most of home advantage at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsNew-look USA aiming to reclaim Ryder Cup against experienced-packed Europe
Europe are the holders and have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, but United States boast eight of the world’s top 10 players and home advantage.
-
NewsA statistical look at the Ryder Cup as Europe seek to continue recent dominance
Europe have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups but USA have claimed victory in 26 of the 42 editions overall, with two ties.
-
NewsNiall Kearney shoots seven-under 65 to take early lead at Dutch Open
Denmark’s Martin Simonsen and Germany’s Maximilian Kieffer sit in second.
-
NewsHenrik Stenson named as Team Europe’s fifth vice-captain for Ryder Cup
The former Open champion joins fellow Swede Robert Karlsson, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell in Padraig Harrington’s backroom staff.
-
NewsNo bias with Shane Lowry Ryder Cup selection, says Padraig Harrington
The European captain insists his friendship with his fellow Irishman did Lowry no favours.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits picking his Ryder Cup wild cards was a tough task
Justin Rose missed out as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry were selected.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits leaving out Justin Rose was ‘incredibly difficult’
Rose eagled the 18th at Wentworth in a final round of 65 to finish in a tie for sixth, but that was not enough.