Éirinn go Brách, Gold & Silver

Padraig Harrington, in Carnoustie form, ends a sixty year drought at the Open Championship.  This weekend was a 1,2 punch for the Irish as low (only) Amateur to make the weekned, Rory Myilroy posted an impressive +5 for a T42. 

Rory at 18 years of age has been the most celebrated youth in european golf for quite some time.  He has studied under the tutiledge of both Darren Clarke and Nick Faldo in their respective youth programs and intends to turn professional at the conlusion of this September's Walker Cup matches to be played at Royal County Down G.C. Newcastle, County Down, Ireland.

Padraig not only became the first Irish born player to win the Open since 1947.  He also made his own bit of history making this his first Major win.  He has been a model of consistency in Major Champoinship Golf over the past seven years with 8 top tens and Europes best player winning the Order of Merit last year, well on his way this year and placing in the top five on four other occasions.  Harrington showed great nerve on Sunday as he fired a 67 which included a double-burn, double bogey on the 72nd hole.  Most impressive waere his fifth sand sixth shots of that 72nd hole, a 40 something yard pitch that took three hops and stopped 8 feet away above the hole and aside the hill that crests on the left quarter of the green, a putt to post at -7, slippery and awkward that fell into the cup with no doubt. Listening to Harrington's post tournament press conference I was most impressed with the way he handled himself after that 72nd hole, He said he convinced himself that he had won/will win the tournament, but completely did not reflect on how he dismantled on 18, knowing a playoff might be in his near future.  Harrington's proved his mental toughness as he had all week and wnet out and seized the claret jug with drive and approach to number one, the 1st playoff hole.  After he led by two through the 1st most knew Sergio would not be able to bounce back. Eveyone was able to see the mental and physical drain Garcia's missed putt on 18 took and the defeat which was about to once agian, ensue.

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