Harrington’s Open win - 50-year jinx truly ended

You wait for a bus for what seems like ages and then two come along together.

This country waited for 50 years for an Irishman to win the British Open. Then last year Pádraig Harrington broke what was beginning to seem like a jinx. He did it again yesterday, but without the heart-stopping drama of dumping a couple of balls in the water at the 72nd hole.

There was drama earlier in the week surrounding his wrist injury and questions about whether he would even defend his title. Harrington heeded the adage of being patient in the wind. Time and again he sacrificed distance for accuracy and in the end it clearly paid off.

The rest of the world may have been hoping for 53-year-old Greg Norman to win. With nine holes to play Norman was in the lead, but nobody could stay with Harrington. He finished in great style, playing the last six holes in four under par to win by four clear shots.

His shot to the 17th green will be one of those shots that golfers will still talk about in 50 years’ time. Winning two British Open Championships back to back was one of the all-time great sporting achievements by an Irishman.

Congratulations Pádraig, you have done us proud.