THEY dream of donning the famous Green Jacket from childhood and their imaginations wander to the winning putt on Augusta National’s 18th hole during every trip to the practice range.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON insists his appetite for winning majors is stronger than ever and that, as he prepares for the Masters in two weeks, his best golf is still to come.

PEBBLE BEACH gave Irish golf one of its greatest moments last summer when Graeme McDowell lifted the US Open and now Pádraig Harrington will be hoping some of that magic rubs off on him this week.

Padraig Harrington, emerging from a winter when he made yet more changes to his golf game, had a dream start to his season today.

RORY MCILROY took over the leading Irish honours after Graeme McDowell was reminded of the well-worn “a day is a long time in politics” adage in the second round of the WGC–Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

RORY McILROY’S worst fears were realised in the cruellest fashion at St Andrews last night when his prospects of a first major title at the tender age of 21 were almost certainly blown away by the gale force winds that swept over the Old Course and turned the British Open into nothing short of a lottery.

Two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington will turn the perceived wisdom about links golf on its head for next week’s 150th anniversary championship at St Andrews.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON believes he’s a “different animal” to the headless chicken who managed to finish fifth behind a rampant Tiger Woods in the US Open here 10 years ago.

Padraig Harrington celebrated his return to the European Tour’s flagship event by taking a share of the early lead at Wentworth today.

THINK of Tiger Woods what you will, but even before he ends his self-imposed exile and tries to win over disappointed and disgusted fans again comes another reminder of the thing that made him famous in the first place.

Padraig Harrington looks to be running into top form with The Masters starting a fortnight on Thursday.

TIGER WOODS has backed fellow major winner Pádraig Harrington in his quest to further improve his game.

Tiger Woods has backed fellow major winner Padraig Harrington in his quest to further improve his game.