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Padraig Harrington named European Tour Player of the Year

Padraig Harrington is the European Tour's golfer of the year after an outstanding campaign highlighted by the Irishman's victory at the Open.

It was second-time lucky for Harrington who, despite winning the 2006 order of merit, was pipped for the honour last year by Britain's Paul Casey.

A panel comprising the Association of Golf Writers, television and radio broadcasters and tour representatives gave the award to Harrington ahead of Argentine Angel Cabrera, the U.S. Open champion.

Order of merit winner Justin Rose of Britain was also in the reckoning.

"There are lots of things that happened this year that made it very special, starting with the birth of my second son Ciaran," Harrington said in a statement. "Following not too far behind was winning the Open championship.

"Winning the Irish Open was another big one too and there were a couple of other wins, so it is really nice for it all to be recognised by being named the golfer of the year, an award I will treasure."

Winner of 21 events worldwide including 12 on the European Tour, Harrington became the first golfer from Ireland to lift the claret jug in 60 years after his four-hole playoff victory over Spain's Sergio Garcia at Carnoustie in July.

"I was in the water twice on the 18th," said the 36-year-old. "I felt really embarrassed at the time but I don't feel so bad about it now because I can look back at all the circumstances.

"It was nice I recovered afterwards and don't have to beat myself up too much about it. It would have done me a lot of harm if I hadn't won."

Harrington is now targeting a fifth Ryder Cup appearance, this time under six-times major champion Nick Faldo at Valhalla, Kentucky in 2008.

"I've got to make sure I'm in there as one of the elder statesmen of the team," said the Irishman.

"I'll be anxious to get myself in early rather than late. You don't want to be sweating about it."

European Tour chief executive George O'Grady said: "In fewer than 40 days in the summer of 2007 Angel and Padraig earned global recognition by completing a major championship double not achieved by European Tour members since the tour was born in 1971.

"Both players are outstanding role models for the tour. We congratulate them both and recognise Padraig as a most deserving recipient in this the 23rd year of this prestigious award."

December 11, 2007