Book Review: 
Padraig Harrington’s Journey To The Open
Copyright © Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation Ltd. 2007

Who knew, when I was reading, Padraig Harrington’s Journey To The Open, that the beloved Irishman – now ranked #3 in the world – would win his second consecutive Open Championship? The answer, of course, is no one, since Harrington’s recent win at Royal Birkdale marked the first time a European has won back-to-back Open victories in 102 years.

It’s no secret I’m a huge Harrington fan – for a number of reasons. We share a love of Irish culture (I’m of Irish descent) and we both are devoted Wilson Staff players. I also admire Paddy’s incomparable work ethic, something I try to emulate. My 2007 interview with Harrington only reaffirmed my belief in his modesty, despite his many accomplishments.

Padraig Harrington’s Journey To The Open, with all royalties going to the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation, takes us on a journey back in time – not too long ago, really: just back to 2007. In fact, this wonderfully-illustrated 128-page hardcover traces Harrington’s story back to 1976, when his late father, Paddy Harrington, upon retirement from Gaelic football, joined a group of men to build a golf course at Stackstown above Dublin city. You can see where this story is going, all the way to back-to-back Open Championships.

Padraig Harrington is the youngest of five brothers. Sadly, his father passed away just two years before Padraig won his first Claret Jug. Says Padraig of his father, “He was a very intelligent golfer. His lowest handicap was four and he won 44 prizes off that handicap.” A chip off the ‘ole block.

Padraig Harrington’s Journey To The Open is written in six chapters, with his brother, Tadgh (Tiger) Harrington handling the foreward, and Padraig writing the prologue and epilogue. There’s a nice section to end the book – Padraig’s Open Notes: Little-Known Facts and Key Shots.

This book, an excellent read, was actually written by a number of journalists, including Greg Allen, Dermot Gilleece, Brian Keogh, Karl MacGinty, Charlie Mulqueen, Philip Reid and Colm Smith. It begins with Harrington’s childhood, and success with Ireland and in the Walker Cup, taking us to a first professional win in Spain, a World Cup win for Ireland and global recognition for the Irishman.

Beginning in 2001, Chapter Three offers insight into Harrington’s ranking among the Top 10 golfers in the world – something the modest Harrington felt uncomfortable with, following an endless series of second-place finishes. Beating Tiger Woods, winning on the PGA Tour, and Ryder Cup experience (including the K Club victory for Europe) are all here. 

Of course, Chapter Five is a favourite, with notes of Harrington’s win at the Irish Open, and the Irish PGA. The final chapter is a wonderful trip back to Carnoustie and that nail biter over Sergio Garcia.

Don’t expect any dirt nor mudslinging in this book. It’s a feel-good story about a gentleman golfer, and it tells the story of how nice guys do finish first.

Who knows? With Harrington winning a second British Open, maybe there’s another book around the corner. With a World No. 3 ranking and his swing better than ever, the sky is the limit for the pride of the Emerald Isle.

Visit Harrington’s web site for more information on the Wilson Staff staff advisory member, www.padraigharrington.com.

Padraig Harrington’s Journey To The Open
Padraig Harrington, Greg Allen, Colm Smith, Dermot Gilleece, Karl MacGinty, Charlie Mulqueen
and Philip Reid
Transworld Publishers 
ISBN 9780593060988
$29.65 at www.amazon.com