Instant Golf Tips

What a year for Irish Golfers.  Last September, the Europeans took it to the Americans over at the K Club in Ireland highlighted by Darren Clarke’s emotional week and inspiring play.

Last weekend, Padraig Harrington chased down Sergio Garcia in the final round at the Open in Carnoustie, survived a double bogey on 18, and took him out in the playoff.

Not forgotten in the mix was the low amateur, Ireland’s Rory MclLroy, the only amateur to survive the 36 hole cut.  Well done.

It’s Wednesday and I am still thinking about Padraig’s resolve.   This guy has his head on right.  With the trophy at arms reach, he hits two balls in the water at the famous (cursed) #18, and takes six.

Moments later he was flipping his son around in his arms like it was any Sunday afternoon in the park.  By this point he wasn’t even in a playoff yet.

But then you remember that this is the guy who has beaten Tiger Woods head to head, not once but twice.  He’s a tough customer and is in control of his game and emotions.

Harrington is now Europe’s best golfer and #6 in the world.  At 35, he’s got at least a decade of top level golf ahead of him. Can he win more?  Of course.  You may have heard him say he was motivated by Mickelson’s comments a few years back regarding his own goals to win Majors, not just a Major.

So here’s the golf lesson from last weekend:

Trying to break 100? Why not set that goal at 98 or 95?

If you are in a match and take a triple on the 3rd hole, you are not out of it. Stay focused. Carnoustie should remind every golfer that there are ebs and flows in this game, like the tide rising and lowering against the rocks.

Was Padraig’s double bogey putt on 18 a low or high?  I bet in his mind the worst was over.  He had still beaten the field. The romp with his son grounded him. He was still in the game and ready to play some more.

Then his tide rose again in the playoff and he closed the deal.  His name will be on the Claret Jug forever.

Nice going Paddy.  Enjoy it Ireland!