Relaxed Pádraig ‘in better form than ever’

A LOWLY 29th in the world, virtually nowhere in the battle for places on the European Ryder Cup team; you could forgive Pádraig Harrington for being a little down on his arrival at Augusta National.

Far from it. The Dubliner just loves the place, ever since his first visit in 2000 when the first person he met was none other than Sam Snead. He tied 19th that year, was 27th in 2001, shared 5th in ‘02 only to miss the cut in ‘03 and ‘05 with a 13th place finish sandwiched in between.

He also won the pre-tournament Par 3 in ‘04 but as legend dictates you don’t do that and win the Masters! He arrived here on Monday after a disappointing final round 75 in the Bell South tournament but even that doesn’t seem to have bothered him as he prepares for his seventh crack at the Masters. “I’m feeling good, mentally, physically,” he insisted, “and I’m looking forward to the Par 3 today with my mum Breda as my caddie".