He had to work overtime, but Padraig Harrington became the first Irishman to win the Irish Open in 25 years, outlasting Barry Dredge of Wales in a one-hole sudden-death playoff at Adare Manor. Ranked No. 12 in the world, Harrington closed with a 71 and a five-under total. Dredge rallied with a 68 to make up three shots and force the playoff.
“I found it difficult today. All the way through I was more nervous there then I had been in many a tournament and I had to work very hard to stay focused and stay calm,” Harrington was quoted as saying by the BBC.
The last Irishman to win the Irish title was John O’Leary in 1982. O’Leary was on hand to see Harrington’s emotional victory.
The Armchair Golfer