Paddy’s Back!!!


All I can say is “Thank God!!!” Padraig Harrington is back in high gear!  Although he lost the Bridgestone Invitational
World Championships of Golf to Tiger Woods, I don’t care.  He seems to have ironed out all the changes he has
made relative to his golf swing and he seems to be playing real Padraig Harrington golf.

Furthermore, and just as importantly, seeing a person of Mr. Harrington’s ilk playing good golf is good for the game
of golf.  He appears to respect the values and traditions of the game, he appears to value and respect his playing
partners, and he seems to value and respect the fans of the game.  To see a classy player like this playing well will
do wonders for the game in general.

Aside from that, seeing Paddy compete is awesome!  I can still remember that eagle he pulled out on the 17th hole
of the Open Championship in 2008.  Can you say clutch?!?!?  I can remember his putting away Sergio in the 2008
PGA Championship.  He didn’t hit the prettiest of shots and he wasn’t always in the fairway, but hit did what he had
to do when he had to do it.  Remember that putt on the 18th hole?  Can you say clutch?!?!?!?  And how about that
celebration…who says Irish men can’t dance?

Now, I understand he did lose.  But in the midst of Tiger’s front nine barrage, Mr. Harrington hung in there.  He didn’t
hit the prettiest of shots and he wasn’t always in the fairway, but he did what he had to do when he had to do it on
the front nine.  But then 16 happened…UGH!!!  Bad drive, rushed second shot, awful chip.  

However, I don’t care about 16.  Maybe it is for the best.  He brought out the best in Tiger and Tiger brought out the
best in Padraig.  Frankly, my respect for Tiger (which was already high) went up even higher.  Tiger was genuinely
upset that being put on the clock potentially cost Paddy the tournament.  Now that is a true champion!!!  He wants to
win, but he wants to win by beating his opponent…not by being given a gift.  I want to see Tiger at his best and I
think that will occur when he is pushed.  I think Paddy’s the guy to push him.

Frankly, I can see Padraig Harrington and Tiger Woods doing battle many, many times in the future.  Two mentally
tough competitors who appear to really, really enjoy being in contention in the majors on Sunday.  

Paddy’s back…Thank God!!!

8/10/2009