Irish born Padraig Harrington emerged the winner in the 2008 PGA Championship. He has been called Europe’s most successful golfer of the 21st century, since winning his third major tournament. Some are even comparing Padraig to Tiger Woods, due to his sudden winning streak. Born August 31, 1971 in Ballyroan, Dublin, Ireland, Padraig began his professional golf career in 1995 at the age of 24, after winning the Walker Cup with the Great Britain and Ireland team earlier the same year.
What’s interesting about his career is that he came in second place on numerous occasions, including 5 times during 1999. He finally made it back to first place in 2000 during the European Tour and won at least once per year through 2004. In 2006 he won the European Order of Merit and in 2007 he won the European Tour Golfer of the Year award. Now, he is up for Player of the Year and has a good shot at the title, if he continues his winning streak.
The Irishman had a wide grin and a twinkle in his eye as he held up and kissed the PGA trophy, but most of the time he’s very studious and serious. His serious nature is a reflection of his academic ability. He studied to be an accountant, passing all his exams, but never actually joined the European Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, due to his involvement with golf. Oakland Hills Country Club, in Bloomfield Township, MI, nicknamed “The Monster,” is a course considered to be most intimidating to golfers, but Padraig Harrington took it all in stride, playing with a cool head and a steady hand, to win with 3-under 277 and earned $1.35 million.
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