Pádraig Harrington: 'I’m not here to wave to the crowds. I’m here to compete'

Harrington says the challenge Valhalla presents this would have been “ideal” for him in his prime.

Padraig Harrington and Tommy Fleetwood speak on the fifth green during a practice round prior to the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

He’s 52 years old with braces on both knees, a pain in the neck and one month to go before induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame, but Pádraig Harrington refuses to yield to the next generation when he arrives at a major championship.

“It really doesn’t matter whether anybody else thinks it’s realistic whether I can win a major or not,” said Harrington at Valhalla Golf Club where he’ll make his 25th start in the PGA Championship.