Padraig Harrington: 'I expected the nerves, I didn't expect the emotion'

What he wasn’t ready for was the well of emotion as he approached that first tee, not least because he had spotted an empty grandstand coming off the range, but one that was quickly filled as those queuing patiently were ushered in.

Padraig Harrington searches for his ball on the 11th hole during day one of The 153rd Open Championship. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Padraig Harrington had prepared diligently for the honour of playing the first shot at the 153rd Open.

The two-time champion golfer of the year shaved the night before to save himself five minutes after an alarm that he set for 4am. He prepared for the ceremonial tee shot by hitting the planned 3-iron almost three dozen times on the range.