Friday, June 15, 2007

Harrington's Pride of Place for May

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington has been named as The European Tour Golfer of the Month for May after ending a 25 year wait for a home winner of the Irish Open.

Amid emotional scenes at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort in Co. Limerick, Harrington became the first Irishman to win his national title since John O’Leary in 1982, claiming the title after a tense play-off with Welshman Bradley Dredge.

Rounds of 73-68-71-71 left him tied with Dredge on 283, five under par, before Harrington won in extra holes. It was his 11th European Tour title and in the process he became only the fourth player to take his career earnings through the €15 million mark.

Harrington won the vote ahead of Dane Anders Hansen, who overcame a world-class to win the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for a second time when he too prevailed in a play-off against England’s Justin Rose.

Also considered by the panel, comprising members of the broadcast and print golfing media, were Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, winner of the Telecom Italia Open, Richard Sterne of South Africa, who followed his third place in the BMW PGA Championship with a stunning victory in the Celtic Manor Wales Open a week later, and Lee Westwood, who won the Valle Romano Open de Andalucia three years and 227 days after his previous victory.

The Golfer of the Month Award is presented to a European Tour Member each month for his performance on The European Tour International Schedule and in worldwide competition.

Winners so far in 2007 have been Retief Goosen of South Africa (January), Sweden’s Henrik Stenson (February), South Africa’s Anton Haig (March) and Austria’s Markus Brier (April). At the end of the year, a panel will select The European Tour Golfer of the Year.

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