Palm Beach Gardens, FL …
Padraig Harrington will certainly rule out autographing Donald Trump’s forearm even if he should receive an invitation to play golf with the US President.
Trump’s been in office just over a month but then he’s already had more golf than most on Irish courses still closed over winter.
In fact, CNN reported on Tuesday night Trump’s had six games in the New Year and even putting his own ‘reporting team’ off guard as evident when McIlroy inadvertently contradicted the White House confirming the pair played a full 18-holes at Trump National at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.
Trump played with Tiger Woods just prior to Christmas and a fortnight ago Ernie Els joined the visiting Japanese PM in playing with Trump.
Padraig Harrington always very engaging in signing autographs but can’t remember what has been the strangest item he’s signed.
Harrington’s never had the pleasure of playing golf with a US President but remarked on the eve of this week’s Honda Classic in Florida, and just a short drive from Trump National where the US leader played with Woods, Els and McIlroy, that he would delight in honouring Trump’s invitation.
“Of course, I would respect the office of the President of the United States and play with the democratically elected leader”, said Harrington.
“So, Yes, I would be excited to play a round of golf with the President and I would respect the people of the United States by honouring the invitation from their President to play, and of course I would accept.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played golf with a head of government but then I have played with a lot of ministers including many Irish Government ministers.”
Harrington is a former double Honda Classic winner having captured the event in 2008 and then two years ago, when he ended a 7-year PGA Tour drought in defeating American Daniel Berger in a play-off over the PGA National course.
And while widely known in his 21-years on tour in being so very obliging in media requests for interview, Harrington was left a little gob-smacked when asked what is the strangest thing he’s ever been asked to autograph.
“Umm, I’m trying to think — I know there’s something funny I’ve been asked to sign something very odd”, he said.
“I’ll have to come back to you on it. There’s definitely been a lot of arms. A lot of arms in fairness. Strange. What did I sign strange? Been asked to sign a ball marker. That’s difficult (laughing).
“You know, if it’s a fan, you genuinely will go out of your way to sign whatever it is.
“But I’ve run away from one or two signatures on body parts. I’ve gotten a little bit older; I probably wouldn’t do it now. Back when I was a young kid, yeah, I’ve kind of gone the opposite direction”.
Joining Harrington this week is Graeme McDowell and Seamus Power who is delighted to be contesting the event for a first occasion.
“I didn’t want to have myself through a Monday qualifier again so it was good towards the end of last week I was informed I would be playing this week, so I am thrilled”, said Power.
“There’s a great field playing this week with a lot of leading Europeans, big prize money, big World Ranking points and a lot of FedEx Cup points, so that’s a great incentive to play well this week”.
And there’s the added incentive for Power in that it’s the same course where he qualified a few years back to earn his Wed.com Tour card.
“So, I’ve also got fond memories of getting my Tour card here at PGA National”.
