Harrington: Irish Open means so much
by Mark May, 13 May 2008
Open Champion Padraig Harrington has set his sights on defending his Irish Open crown ahead of this week’s event at Adare Manor.
The 36-year-old was the first home winner of the tournament since John O’Leary back in 1982, a quarter of a century earlier.
Irish fans have been spoilt for choice in 2008 after a quartet of European Tour victories by Graeme McDowell, Peter Lawrie, Darren Clarke and Damien McGrane.
And now Harrington will look to match his compatriots and retain the title he sees as the “fifth biggest tournament in the world”.
“As it turned out The Irish Open victory meant more than even I realised at the time,” Harrington told the European Tour’s official website.
“I always found it very difficult to handle the pressure, the distractions and the general hype of an Irish Open.
“Years of that building up, the fact that no Irishman had won it in 25 years, the media hype going into the event and then to actually finally win the tournament was ever so big for me.
“I don’t think I would have ever felt as if I had had a true career unless I had gone on to win The Irish Open. It was a relief but overall there was a sense of euphoria to go on and win it.
“The 18th at Adare is a great setting in front of the Manor, and winning the play-off there was a beautiful moment for me. That’s how I felt at the time but little did I know how much of an effect it would have on the rest of my year.
“It definitely was a big catalyst for going on to win The Open. I definitely felt more comfortable and I gained self confidence from that win. There is no question The Irish Open is the fifth biggest tournament in the world to me. You have the four Majors and then to win an Irish Open is right up there.”