15 years ago at the 2008 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Padraig Harrington chased down a 53-year-old Greg Norman in the final round, and lifted the Claret Jug for a second year in a row.
We were in the midst of Harrington's famed purple patch, which saw him win three out six majors in 2007 and 2008, and far, far away from the unimaginable LIV Golf saga that has dominated the golfing landscape over the last two years, headed by their CEO Greg Norman.
Norman, who dominated in the sport during the 80s and 90s, and is a two-time Open Champion (1986, 1993), came out of nowhere to lead the tournament by two shots going into the fourth round in 2008.
Playing in the final group with Harrington, he led going into the back nine, but Paddy managed to play the final holes in four under par, including his legendary 5-wood eagle on 17, to seal a four shot victory over Ian Poulter, and finish six ahead of Norman.
Padraig Harrington vs Greg Norman At The 2008 Open Championship
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After the round, Harrington revealed the graciousness of Norman in defeat, whose attitude towards losing seemed to nearly take the Irishman by surprise.
“I talked to Greg a bit afterwards and he couldn’t have been nicer on the day or afterwards”, said Harrington.
If anything, he was too nice. You’ve never seen somebody as gracious, as happy for me to have won. Yeah, you know, I wouldn’t have known Greg in his heyday but I would have assumed he’s like most golfers; he’d be a lot harder.
But I think, you know, at the stage of his career, I’m assuming he has mellowed, and I see it happening to myself.
I look at young guys now and I’m happy to help them. Whereas 20 years ago, they were my competitors; I keep everything to myself. If I thought I had the secret, it was mine.
Whereas now, I think there’s enough for everybody out here. So, I’m a little bit more giving, let’s say, to players.
Although relationships may have soured between many PGA Tour members and LIV Golf defectors, Harrington has been fairly balanced in his views.
He admitted that he had got an offer to join LIV, saying on the Late Late Show that 'I got a text message but I didn't want the temptation. If somebody comes around and offers you a hundred million, five hundred million, that's a lot of temptation."
However, in the same interview he spoke positively of the competition that LIV Golf has provided:
"I also see that the competition for the PGA Tour has turned out to be very good. Everybody tuned in to the Masters to the LIV and PGA players."
So while the LIV Golf CEO may be public enemy number one to many golfers - one of the clauses in the LIV/PGA merger was that he was to be removed from his position - perhaps Harrington's memories of 2008 still form the basis of his feelings towards the Aussie.
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