“Hampered by his lack of confidence in his putting, Harrington is like a Rolls Royce with a Honda 50 motor under the hood. McIlroy is a brand new Ferrari.” Read this special column for the Irish Golf Desk by Brian Keogh, reproduced with his permission where he shares how McIlroy and Harrington were poles apart in the desert.
He stood patiently signing autographs for the waiting fans with shouts of “Rory, Rory,” doubtless ringing in his ears. He smiled. He posed for photographs.
Pádraig Harrington could have been forgiven for slinking quietly away from the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on Friday after missing the cut by a shot in his first event of the season where there was a cut to miss.
If he was still thinking of another disappointing week on the greens – perhaps the four and a half footer he missed for par on the final green on Thursday – it didn’t show in the photos after he signed for a 74 that left him one shot from safety.
With just two birdies to show for his week’s work – none in the second round – Harrington might even have been thinking back to his victory speech following his Open Championship win at Carnoustie in 2007.
“I’d like to congratulate Rory on his fine achievement. I’m glad I got in before he wins one. I am sure he will win a few Open Championships in the future. He is a fine talent and he proved it this week.”
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The story is the contrast between his play so far this week and the way he limped away from the event with his new Nike sticks between his legs 12 months ago. That he did it in the group ahead of Harrington only served to show highlight the 18-year age difference between Ireland’s two greatest players and the direction their careers have taken in recent years.
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- abu dhabi hsbc golf
- golf news
- irish golf desk
- rory mcilroy
