Padraig Harrington

Padraig Harrington began playing golf at age 4 as his father build a golf course in Dublin. His whole family was full of golfers and he was driven to catch up to his 5 handicap, older brothers. At age 15 Harrington was a scratch golfer. His amateur career was long and distinguished as he represented Ireland for many years with many victories. The most notable was winning the Walker Cup in 1995.

Harrington turned pro shortly after in September of 1995. He took the European Tour by storm after earning his full card in qualifying school; he had 5 top 10 finishes and won the Spanish Open in his first year as a pro. 1997 brought more success with a 5th place finish in the British Open at Troon. Harrington cemented himself as one of the best players in Europe over the next several years. He played well in World Cups, Ryder Cup, and began to venture over the pond to play in the other majors.

2002 saw Harrington rise to 6th in the World Golf Rankings. He finished 5th in both the Masters and British Open and 8th in the U.S. Open. He was instrumental in the European Ryder Cup victory. In 2005 Harrington became the first Irishman to win a USPGA Tour event, and he would go on to win another. In 2006 he won the Volvo Order of Merit as the best European golfer and was key in another Ryder Cup victory for Europe.

In 2007 Padraig Harrington realized a dream by winning the British Open Championship at Carnoustie Links. He became the first Irishman to win the Open since 1947. In 2008, he defended his title with another win at Royal Birkdale. No one had won back to back Open Championships in 102 years. He finished the year with another major victory at the PGA Championship and won the PGA Player of the Year for 2008. Harrington has proven himself as one of the world’s best golfers. http://www.padraigharrington.com/career_highlights.php<ref>

Padraig and his wife Caroline have two sons, Patrick born in 2003 and Ciaren born in 2007. They have formed the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation, providing financial help to the needy in Ireland and around the world.