Padraig Harrington was delighted to regain possession of the Claret Jug after claiming his second Open Championship in succession in superb style on a windswept final day at Royal Birkdale.
Said the 36-year-old Dubliner: "I really tried not to think about the consequences of winning, but I did think it would be nice to have the trophy back on the breakfast table again. I had a great year as Open champion, so much so that I didn't want t
o give it back.
"It's important that you go on and win a second major. Very few people have won two majors or back-to-back majors.
"I was always trying to play that down but winning a second sets you apart. It's a new level and there's less people in that club."
Harrington injured his wrist and rated his prospects of completing the championship at just 50-50, but felt the problem ended up working to his advantage.
"In hindsight the fact that I didn't play three practice rounds meant I was fresh for the battle ahead," he said.
"It took a bit of stress and pressure off me. It was a good distraction and sometimes you need that.
"I knew my game was there but maybe this week I made the right decision at the right time and got the right break at the right time."
The £750,000 first prize secures Harrington's place in the Ryder Cup in September and takes him from 14th to a career-high third in the world rankings.
"It clears up a lot for September and that had been on my mind too," he added.
In his acceptance speech, Harrington paid tribute to physio Dale Richardson who treated his wrist injury and also the fans who braved the terrible conditions.
He said: "I've had a great time, I've had fantastic support from everybody.
"And Dale has worked double time this week dealing with my injury."
Ends
The full article contains 329 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
