However, we now, finally, know how Padraig pronounces his Christian name. It's 'POD-rig'.He's a Dubliner. Dubliners have but a passing knowledge of 'the Gaelic'.Most of the rest of Ireland would normally say 'Porrick' ! Over the years,the subject was a matter of debate among the Irish attending.
What a contest! The standard complaint we have is that the Open is played in July on a links course. A links course is no test in Summer unless the wind is blowing. Nowadays the greens, even the fairways, are watered and the course is forgiving.No complaints this time. This year we had the waterproofs on from about 6 am on the first day until 8 pm on the last and the wind was horrendous.It was blowing at at least 30 mph, up to 50mph in gusts,anywhere more than about 20 metres up (and about 15 mph minimum at ground level at its calmest. At one point play was held up because the ball was being moved on the greens).What's more Birkdale isn't an out and back course, so the wind was coming from all angles in the course of the round.
Harrington played it all to perfection and finished as a true champion, four under in the last six holes. Tiger would have had to play wholly exceptionally to match him. Woods didn't show last year, in milder links conditions. The one round I saw him play in the Open when the weather was remotely like that, strong wind and rain, he shot 81. He says he loves links golf, and is certainly capable of adjusting his shots, but Harrington was brought up with that.
