Change is good for fallen giant

AS we settle down and reflect on yesterday’s dramatic victory for Simon Dyson, Irish golf can once again clap itself on the back for a job well done.

Though the weather may have disappointed at times, much like our “famous four”, it did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the 85,179 spectators who were treated to a dazzling display of shot-making, birdies and good humour.

Aside from the on-course action, the week was also dominated by a number of off-course headlines, such as the now infamous “tweet” row and more importantly the announcement from Pádraig Harrington that, after 13 years, he is to part company from his coach and good friend Bob Torrance.

Bob was more than just a coach to Pádraig. He was a kindred spirit, a man who was prepared to work every bit as hard as the Dubliner himself, a man Harrington trusted to guide him through his early years as a professional.

Together they formed a unique partnership. Both were historians of the game. Both shared the ambition of Major championship success and by the time that goal was realised by Pádraig, they had more or less climbed from humble beginnings in Largs, Scotland (home of Torrance) to the very summit of professional golf.

However, time waits for no-one and Pádraig is no exception. His indifferent form on the course over the past three years has been painful to witness.

His stout defence of his game and his coach no longer stands up. Stats don’t lie. This week, for the first time, he acknowledged as much. It was a time to make a change.

For a man as loyal as Pádraig, parting company from your good friend and confidante for many years would not have come easy.

It would have been hard for him to look Bob Torrance in the eye and say enough is enough and Bob himself would be gutted to hear this news, regardless of how little time they have been spending in each others’ company recently.

Is he right to change now at this stage in his career? Yes, he is. If he feels like he needs a change then that’s exactly what he’s got to do.

As ruthless as it seems, he has to be the one to control his own destiny and this step is probably the first of many he will now need to take to resurrect his flagging career.

Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long to see him adorning our leaderboards, back to where he belongs.

In terms of the event itself, Simon Dyson was a very worthy winner. All week long his iron play was from the very top drawer, especially down the closing stretch when it mattered most yesterday.

His duel with Richard Green provided great drama for everyone, a fitting end to a great tournament.

As for the Irish, I was delighted to see Peter Lawrie perform so well.

He is a great professional, very much an unsung hero who effortlessly goes about his business.

Paul Cutler was the real find of the week. The young amateur’s performance had all the hall marks of someone who has the potential to make a very big impact on the game in years to come.