Wednesday - 10th March, 2010
HARRINGTON TO VISIT WHITE HOUSE ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY
by Fatiha Betscher in Miami
U.S. President Barack Obama & Padraig Harrington
Triple Major winning Padraig Harrington is set to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by meeting U.S. President Barak Obama.
Harrington will break from his preparations for the $US 5.4m Transitions Championship to join Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowan at a special Irish theme celebration at the White House.
Also on the guest list is Celtic singer and Enneagram teacher Katy Taylor.
"I'm looking forward to it," said Harrington from Miami where he tees up later today (THU) in the WGC – CA Championship.
“It's something different. Obviously President Obama is one of the most charismatic people of the world, one of the most powerful people in the world; you want to meet these people and see what they are like and get your own judgment on things, if you know what I mean. And you can tell a lot when you meet somebody, so I'm looking forward to that."
Harrington revealed the invitation for he and his wife, Caroline to visit the White House arrived at his Dublin residence before he ventured to Florida.
"I'm sure there will be plenty of people I'll know when I get there, but as I say, because of being on the road and traveling, I haven't got too much into the details," said Harrington.
Harrington said he’s never been to the White House so he’s uncertain what to expect or whether the world’s most powerful man will want any golf tips.
"He's a left-hander, isn't he?" Harrington said.
"Obviously he is very keen on golf. I don't know, maybe we will talk about golf. Who knows."
So, has he thought of one question to break the ice when he meets the President? Harrington, one of the most introspective men on the PGA TOUR, hasn't a clue -- yet.
"I've got over a week now to come up with something interesting," he said with a smile.
"I'm sure everything's been asked before so I'll wait and see.
"But now you're putting me under pressure. I was going to have a lovely, relaxed time at St. Patrick's Day for the party. There you go. I'm not meant to be working. It's my day off."
by Fatiha Betscher at Miami
Padraig Harrington celebrates 2007 Open win
Padraig Harrington will launch a new charity online auction section on his website, www.padraigharrington.com, with proceeds from the sale of the items going to the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation.
The online auction will give fans and collectors the opportunity to bid for Padraig Harrington signed memorabilia. The first item to be auctioned will be a signed 2007 Open Championship 18th hole flag, commemorating Padraig’s first Major win at Carnoustie. The winning bidder will be able to request that the replica flag is personally dedicated by Padraig.
Padraig said “With a wonderful family I feel extremely privileged to be in the position I am. How many of us get paid to do something we love so much. I am mindful, however, that there are others who are less fortunate. With this in mind I established the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation, and as a way of raising funds I have decided to launch an online auction section to my website”.
The online auction will give fans and collectors the opportunity to bid for Padraig Harrington signed memorabilia. The first item to be auctioned will be a signed 2007 Open Championship 18th hole flag, commemorating Padraig’s first Major win at Carnoustie. The winning bidder will be able to request that the replica flag is personally dedicated by Padraig.
Padraig said “With a wonderful family I feel extremely privileged to be in the position I am. How many of us get paid to do something we love so much. I am mindful, however, that there are others who are less fortunate. With this in mind I established the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation, and as a way of raising funds I have decided to launch an online auction section to my website”.
The Foundation provides financial assistance to deserving beneficiaries throughout Ireland and the rest of the world.
To make a bid or for further information please log onto www.padraigharrington.com
For additional information please contact adrian.mitchell@imgworld.com.
To make a bid or for further information please log onto www.padraigharrington.com
For additional information please contact adrian.mitchell@imgworld.com.
Tuesday - 9th March, 2010
YOUNG LION LEARNS FROM GOLDEN BEAR
by Fatiha Betscher in Miami
McIlroy looking to dine out after lunching with Nicklaus
For a second time in his short pro career, Rory McIlroy has a close encounter with legendary Jack Nicklaus.
The 19-year old young lion of professional golf first bumped into the Golden Bear in the car park of a supermarket but on this latest occasion McIlroy had lunch with the player who's won 18 Major championships.
McIlroy revealed his meeting with Nicklaus yesterday (TUES) ahead of teeing up in this week’s WGC – CA Championship being played in Miami, Florida.
But rather than a chance meeting in a car park, McIlroy spent some 90 minutes with the game’s greatest ever player at the exclusive Bear’s Club in Florida.
“It was an unbelievable experience,” said McIlroy.
“He sort of got in touch with us as he heard that I was going to work with Bob Rotella.
“It was great to sit down and talk to Jack and listen to his approach to winning and what went through his head whenever he was in contention and what things he might have done differently than other people. You know, it was probably the best 90 minutes I've spent in a long time.”
Nicklaus had the young Irish golfer memorised with golfing tales including one event – the infamous ‘Duel in the Sun’ and his 1977 British Open final round showdown with Tom Watson, an event Nicklaus didn’t win.
“Jack said the best ever tournament he played, he didn't win, and that was the ’77 Open at Turnberry,” said McIlroy.
“He said he played his best ever at Turnberry in ’77. He played the best he played and he didn't win.
“Jack said there's other times where he didn't play his best but he got the job done.
“So one of the biggest things that I took from it was patience, and just to learn to wait and learn to bide your time and know that if you believe in yourself that it will happen; it will happen one of these days so it's just a matter of waiting and staying patient. That was one of the big things I got from him.”
And McIlroy further revealed he walked away from the luncheon without having to dig for his wallet as Nicklaus gladbly picked-up the ‘tab’.
In revealing his lunch with Nicklaus, McIlroy also disclosed he’s joined fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington in turning to work with top sports psychologist, Dr. Bob Rotella with a view to riding himself of his ‘Mr Second and Mr Third tag.
“Bob’s been the best at winning so one of the reasons why I wanted to go to Bob was to try to finish the job off a bit more and be a bit more clinical and Jack was probably the most clinical of them all,” said McIlroy.
And after his CA – Championship commitments in Florida, McIlroy disclosed he will head to Augusta, Georgia for four practice rounds in three days.
“I will go up to Augusta Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday next week to play a few rounds as it’s getting to that time of year where everyone has started to think about Augusta and think about the shots that you need,” he said
“So I'm really looking forward to getting up there again.
“Augusta is s one of my favorite places to play golf. It's exciting. It's the first major of the year and everyone is excited about it. I'm just feeling very lucky that I'm able to play in it again.”
FINCHEM FINALLY FINDS SOME JOY AS PING OFFER OLIVE BRANCH
by Bernie McGuire
Golf's most controversial club
U.S. Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem finally received some good news this year with top-club manufacturer, PING announcing it will waive its rights that prevent the Tour from prohibiting the use of the pre-1991 PING EYE 2 irons and wedges.
There was enormous controversy at last month’s Farmers Insurance Open when Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington and a handful of other players sought to take advantage of a loop hole in the new grooves ruling by using the PING clubs.
Mickelson was called a ‘cheat’ by fellow Tour player Scott McCarron, though McCarron later apologised for his remarks.
However there was no denying Mickelson was exploiting a loop hole in the new rule that came into effect on January 1st that banned the use of U-shaped grooved clubs.
PING held the U.S. Tour to virtual ransom but has now agreed to waiver the rule from March 29th that means no player competing on the U.S. Tour can use the pre-1991 PING EYE 2 clubs.
The decision by PING to back down means is good news for U.S. Tour as it now falls into line with the European Tour.
“John Solheim and PING had a terrific opportunity to do something positive and significant for the game of golf and we very much appreciate his willingness to take this action,” said Finchem.
The agreement between PING and the U.S. Tour states the waiver does not affect all PING EYE 2 wedges hands because at the request of many players PING has made EYE 2 irons and wedges but with v-grooves that conform to the rules that came into effect on January 1st, 2010.