Orlando, Florida …
Paddy Harrington’s clearly was now itching to play more golf after teaming with his father Padraig to make his ‘world stage’ debut in the Father-and-Son Challenge in Orlando.
The Harrington’s combined recording eight birdies and just two bogeys in a ‘better ball’ six under par 66 second round for an 11-under total in the two-day event.
The effort handed them a share of 16th place and a shot behind legendary Jack Nicklaus and his grandson who posted a last day 62 in the 20-team two-player format on the Grande Lakes course.
Padraig Harrington and his son Paddy walking proudly off the 18th green and with Harrington’s caddy Ronan Flood and Paddy’s good friend, Ethan White behind.(Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
It was the first time the Harrington’s had contested the event and 13-year old, Paddy who had his mother, Caroline and 10-year old brother, Ciaran waiting for him at the back of the 18th, was already thinking of returning next year.
“The week has been really good and I thought I played really well up until the last five holes as I didn’t hit many great drives but it’s been a fabulous week,” he said.
“I had a bit of a cut in my drives at the start of the week and while I still have it, Ronan (Flood – Harrington’s full-time caddy) had me doing a little drill and while it didn’t always work it was great to has his input.
The full Harrington family – Paddy, Caroline, Ciaran and Padraig. (Photo copyright – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“Now that I have played in the event I just want to get out there and play much more golf 100% as this week just has me so excited to want to get better.
“So, I will be playing more and more golf and hopefully come back much better to this event next year.”
His triple Major winning father was both proud and excited in how his oldest son conducted himself this week.
“Paddy, can I have your hat? Paddy, can I have your glove?” were the calls as Paddy Harrington signed autographs. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“I would like this week to the springboard for Paddy to play more golf,” said Harrington.
“As my son, he needs to be a decent golfer but not necessarily a professional golfer but be respectful and just good at the game.
“The time will come when he’s 30-years of age and he will be playing in a corporate outing and there’ll be people coming out of the clubhouse just to see him tee-off given he’s the son of Padraig Harrington.
“Of course, I don’t want to put him under the pressure of following in my footsteps but to be half-decent at the game.
Paddy Harrington signs the final scoreboard details of his father’s 2005 Honda Classic victory
An Irish golfing first – two Harrington signatures on a PGA Tour golfing momento.
“And the five days we’ve had here have been great with Paddy probably playing more golf than has ever had and it’s been great to see how he has conducted himself and interacted with everyone competing.
“So, it’s been a great incentive for him to play a little more golf and you could see throughout the week how certain aspects of his game improved.”
There was then the sight, and for a second day, of father and son standing side-by-side signing autographs for some 100 waiting fans.
And the cry from those around Paddy’s age bracket was something that his father has heard so often in his pro career: “Can I have you hat, Paddy? Can I have your glove, Paddy?”.
