Padraig wants to ‘win, win, win’
Padraig Harrington will return to competitive action this week knowing that he needs to return to the winner’s circle if he is to qualify for the Masters.
The 42-year-old’s victory drought stretches back to August 2008 when he won the PGA Championship just a few months after claiming the British Open at Royal Birkdale.
His poor form has seen him slip to number 130 in the world rankings and his five-year exemption to the Masters that he earned with his two major titles in 2008 has also expired.
It means he needs to return to top 50 to gain an automatic invitation to Augusta National in April and the only way to do that is to start winning again.
“Win, win, win,” Harrington said ahead of the Phoenix Open. “That’s pretty straight forward for me.”
He added: “It’s a long shot, you know, to get into the Masters. First tournament of the year is always a great tournament. You never know what you’re going to get. It’s always nice your first week out.”
One thing to look forward to at TPC Scottsdale is the enthusiastic fans and the famous par-three 16th, the only fully enclosed hole on the PGA Tour, likely to be the place to be once again.
“I don’t think you can describe it to people,” Harrington said. “And I do believe that every person reacts a little bit different to it … For golf, there is nothing like it.”
Latest
-
Ryder CupNew Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder CupThe task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder CupLuke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA TourTony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
NewsHenrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
NewsFormer Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder CupLuke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
NewsMax Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder CupBernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA TourBrooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.