The New King of Ireland

In 1014 Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf, Co. Dublin. On a windy day this past July, on the battlefield of the British Open, a new king of Ireland emerged who will go down in the annals of history as Irelands most celebrated golfer. The Irish are proud of Paddy for representing them in an international arena where the bitterness of our war-torn past can be put aside and they can showcase what the New Ireland is about. His victory was well earned and enthralled the world in a way that was reminiscent of the great sports heroes from back in the day. Headlines ranged worldwide from “When Irish eyes are smiling” to “Paddy me boy, you did it again!”

Harrington prepared for the Open the week before at the Irish PGA, which was played at the European Golf Club just outside of Dublin. He was quoted in the British PGA as saying, “I believe that the fantastic challenge provided by the European Club was the ideal links golf preparation for the Open Championship last year, and I hope it proves to be the same in 2008." I like to say that proper preparation leads to proper execution, and Paddy certainly proved this adage to be true. This course is one of the best links courses in the British Isles and should be placed on your wish list of golf courses to play.

Padraig Harrington’s work ethic is second to none. The Sunday that Paddy claimed his victory, I was playing at Hazeltine National Golf Club where I had the chance to speak with head pro Mike Schultze. During the 2002 PGA Championship Harrington had been on the range practicing until dusk, and when Mike walked by he called him over for some conversation by saying, “Hey pro, come on over and talk with me... this is a lonely business.” The work that goes into a world-class player’s game is often overlooked during the glamour of the event. But what one doesn’t realize is the tremendous toll that is taken on a golfer’s body and mind, especially the international players who compete worldwide where the rigors of travel combine with the pains of missing family and friends.

I would love to congratulate Paddy and tell him that he is one of the few Irish heroes’ that I have. In closing I would like to add another footnote about my other Irish hero and good friend Fred Daly. He took the Claret Jug home to Ireland in 1947.

--- Gerald McCullagh

Comments

[Co.Meath]

Paddy's play is hotter than a sharp stick in the eye!