Pádraig Harrington has majors in mind again

Pádraig Harrington’s Portugal Masters victory hasn’t just reignited his desire to play another Ryder Cup, it’s also reinforced his belief that he can still intimidate the opposition and win at least one more major.

The 45-year old’s one-stroke victory in Vilamoura on Sunday wasn’t just the lowest winning aggregate on the European Tour this year or the lowest of his 21-year European Tour career, it was also a win that gave the three-time major winner confirmation that he’s a more lethal finisher than ever.

Having been cruelly criticised for years for his uncanny ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory — see his 32 runner-up finishes for confirmation — he’s become something of an expert closer since he turned 40.