Harrington named player of year

Mister Sifter

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/golf/7138414.stm

Open champion Padraig Harrington has been named as the European's Tour player of the year following his maiden major triumph at Carnoustie in July.
Harrington, who became a father again in November, beat off strong challenges from Order of Merit winner Justin Rose and US Open champion Angel Cabrera.

"It is an award I will treasure," said the 36-year-old.

"Lots of things made this year special, starting with the birth of Ciaran, but not far behind was winning the Open."

The Dubliner ended Europe's eight-year major drought when he beat Sergio Garcia in a play-off in Scotland.

No Irishman had lifted the Claret Jug since Fred Daly in 1947 and Harrington was the first from the Republic.

The week before the Open, Harrington also became the first home winner of the Irish Open since John O'Leary in 1982.

European Tour chief executive George O'Grady said: "In fewer than 40 days, Angel and Padraig earned global recognition by completing a major double not achieved by European Tour members since the tour was born in 1971.

"Both players are outstanding role models for the Tour. We congratulate them both and recognise Padraig as a most deserving recipient in this the 23rd year of this prestigious award."

Harrington added: "It was a great year for golf and for the European Tour and now we can look forward to 2008, including the Ryder Cup.

I'll be anxious to get myself into the Ryder Cup team early rather than late - you don't want to be sweating about it

Padraig Harrington

"I think you'll see the old guard getting out there and playing a few extra events to try to force themselves into the team but there will be some fresh new faces in there as well.

"That's what the Ryder Cup needs, a mixture of both. That's why Europe has done so well in the past because we maximise the team effort.

"The only thing I've got to make sure of is that I'm in there as one of the elder statesmen.

"There's plenty of work still to be done to get into that team and like any player I'll be anxious to get myself in early rather than late - you don't want to be sweating about it."

Adiaga 2

(another)Nice early xmas present for Padraig. Well deserved too. He's right about the ryder cup too. I doubt Faldo will be handing out wildcards based on past achievements.