It’s been quite the innings for Pádraig Harrington who is 500 not out on the DP World Tour this week and ahead of his landmark appearance at the Qatar Masters his enthusiasm for the game is the same as when he began his legendary career.
From turning professional in 1995 aged 24, to his first win in 1996, to the 2007 Irish Open and to the three major championships and six consecutive Ryder Cup appearances for Europe. Harrington has seen it all and has beaten the very best along the way.
“Five hundred appearances isn’t something you envisage or plan for, but it’s nice to get there,” the three-time Major champion said.
“I couldn’t have dreamt of the career that I’ve had. I’m quite an optimist and that’s what I love about golf, it always gives you that hope that you’re going to find the secret, and I’m still doing that today.”
The 54-year-old is one of golf’s great minds and his desire to teach during tournament pro-ams, to grind on the practice range in search of that one percent, his drive to compete and yes, ambition to win one more major is something which has driven him from start one to start 500.
“I still have a pure love for the game. I’m fascinated by it, I enjoy it, I love coaching and thinking about the game.
“Twenty years ago, we pretended we weren’t golf nerds, but I’m as big a golf nerd as you can get. I’m here now to try and be competitive, and I know the only way I can do that is to enjoy it.”
Harrington has constantly evolved with the modern game. He started his professional career with a flat back swing and a fade ball flight. Nowadays he’s still as long as the young guns on tour with high hands and plenty of footwork on the downswing.
The former world number three earned his first paycheque at the FNB Players Championship where a mediocre finish of 49th earned him £1,865. Since then in almost 800 professional events worldwide, Harrington has amassed 43 professional wins and just over €28 million in his career to date.
“That was a lot of money to me and I hadn’t even played that well,” Harrington said of his early days. “I called home and said, ‘Mum, they’re just giving money away out here’.
“I realised then that if I worked hard, I just might achieve something in this game.”
Many see the 500 mark as a ceremonial occasion, but like when he hit the opening tee shot at last year’s Open Championship, he has no intention of lapping up the applause just for his legacy.
He wants more and he is still chasing the elusive 44th win which would make him the oldest ever winner on tour.
“I started a bit later than most people because I didn’t turn pro until I was 24,” he said. “I’m happy to be out here playing on the DP World Tour and I’m still enjoying it.
“I think the most pivotal moment in my career was my first tournament in 1996 as a member, where I got an invite to the European Open in Ireland and three months later, I got an invite to the South African PGA.
“I didn’t play well but I knew my worst was good enough to compete,” he added ahead of his first start in Doha since 2003 as he completes the desert swing on the DP World Tour.
“It’s nice to come back to a venue you haven’t been for a long time to see the difference and what a great golf course it is.
“It’s in phenomenal condition and it’s a joy to be back. It’s amazing to see how much the course has changed and they’re putting back tees on nearly every hole, which kind of suits it because the rough is heavy, the greens are firm and it’s a nice challenge.”
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