Padraig Harrington walked down the wooden steps of the Valspar Championship scorer’s cabin to embark on a near 14,000 klm trek, including a 19-hour flight, to India buoyed by a tasty final two days take out on the Copperhead course in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Padraig Harrington leaves the scorer’s hut and soon headed on a 14,000 klm trip to India.
Harrington lipped out at the last for what would have been just two birdies and post 17 pars in a one under par 70 for a two over par total in the event won by South African Charl Schwartzel.
“I was picking it out of the hole with six inches to go as that’s how much I thought I had holed that one at the last but overall I putted well today and over the weekend,” said Harrington.
“I had a good attitude on the greens this week and now need to figure out how to take that into the rest of the year.
“And while it took me time to get into the week, I certainly finished stronger
“So I am just to be now heading to Delhi happier with how I performed on the greens.”
The triple Major winner, along with long-time caddy Ronan Flood, were heading the 100 klm to Orlando Airport ahead of boarding their flight to Delhi for Thursday’s starting co-sanctioned Hero Indian Open.
It is the first time Harrington has competed in India in 22-years since losing a semi-final match to now retired Frenchman Christian Cavaer in the 1994 Indian Amateur.
“I had due to playing in Thailand last week but that didn’t happen, so I am looking forward to be heading to India as I do need to play a few more on the European Tour in order to retain my membership,” he said.
“So that basically is it and besides I have always like playing out in Asia and while it would have been better to play two rather just the one, I am happy enough to head to India and tee-up.
“And as I mentioned to you the other day, Bernie I am hoping to play the first two rounds alongside Anirban (Lahiri) as I would love to see his game close up, and besides I’ve met him a few times and he’s a really nice fellow,”
Harrington has not qualified for next fortnight’s WGC – Dell Match-Play Championship and after contesting the Indian Open, and only his second visit to the world’s most populated democratic nation, he will return home for a week and then head back to the States for the March 31st starting Shell Houston Open.
