Paddy’s week brightens up

BETWEEN tying for third in the CA WGC Championship at the weekend and returning to the top 10 in the world and making a flying visit to Washington tomorrow to meet US President Barack Obama, 2010 is suddenly taking on a much brighter vista for Pádraig Harrington.

Given that Harrington is in the field for the Transition Championship, beginning at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbour, Florida, on Thursday, it may all seem a bit too hectic but it helps, of course, when you are travelling by private jet and just happen to be one of the fittest 38-year-olds on the planet. Harrington admits that the invitation to the White House doesn’t exactly fit into his schedule but such a golden opportunity on St Patrick’s Day of all days was simply too good to miss.

“It really is something different,” he said. “President Obama is one of the most charismatic and powerful people in the world. It’s always fascinating to meet these people and see what they are like, to be able to make your own judgement. On top of that, I’ve never been to the White House.”