Harrington Eyes Major Return: 'Don't Write Me Off'
Pádraig Harrington's hunger for glory burns as bright as ever. The Dubliner, fresh from capturing two senior majors this year, has set his sights on returning to the winner's circle at golf's premier events in 2025.
Speaking exclusively to RTÉ Sport, the three-time major champion revealed his ambitious plans for the coming year, declaring himself far from finished on the sport's biggest stage.
A Champion's Mindset Endures
Harrington's 2024 campaign yielded victories at both the Senior Open Championship and US Senior Open, achievements he describes as coming despite not playing his best golf. This only fuels his confidence for what lies ahead.
"I see myself with a few opportunities," Harrington said, particularly highlighting next year's US Open at Shinnecock Hills. "US Opens tend to have been my most consistent events over the years."
The Stackstown golfer famously ended Ireland's 60-year major drought at Carnoustie in 2007, before adding two more majors in a golden 13-month period. That same determination now drives his pursuit of regular tour success at 54.
Strategy for Success
Unlike Tom Watson's near-miraculous run at Turnberry aged 59, Harrington believes any major victory must be built on solid form in regular events.
"I don't see myself jumping in there and having an out-of-body experience and winning," he explained. "I see myself playing well, getting my game in good shape and building my way into those events."
His approach reflects the measured confidence of a champion who understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. "I need to move myself into that category of 'don't write off Harrington, he could do okay this week'," he added.
Distance and Dedication
Harrington remains one of the longest hitters on the senior circuit, maintaining the power that has always been central to his game. He offers fascinating insights into how the sport's relationship with distance has evolved, particularly regarding Tiger Woods' driving ability.
"The whole golfing world, the media bullied Tiger Woods into thinking he was a bad driver," Harrington observed. "In his heyday, there was nobody better off the tee than Tiger Woods."
This perspective reveals Harrington's deep understanding of golf's tactical evolution, knowledge that continues to serve him well as he plots his return to major championship contention.
For Irish golf fans, Harrington's renewed ambition represents hope that one of our greatest champions isn't done making history. His qualification for every major except the Masters in 2025 signals serious intent from a player who has never lost faith in his abilities.