Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington is humbled by his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
The 51-year-old, who counts back-to-back British Opens and the PGA Championship among his 21 worldwide wins, is only the third Irishman to receive the honour after amateur Joe Carr and Christy O’Connor snr.
“This is very exciting, obviously huge honour. It’s somewhat humbling,” said the former Ryder Cup captain, who also won the US Senior Open last year.
“At this stage of my life, it gives me some validation to what I’ve done in golf. [It] brings back a flood of memories.
The year in sports quotes: The wit and wisdom - from Damien Duff to Daniel Wiffen, Kellie Harrington to Rory McIlroy
Denis Walsh: Irish sport’s underdog mentality has been replaced with an unabashed hunger to be the best
Four of Ireland’s top five most admired sports people in 2024 are women
A box of Pro V1s is the Christmas present of choice for many. But do they help the average golfer?
“This is a deep-down satisfaction and I’m very proud to be included with the players before me.
“Seeing your name beside the names that I’ve looked up to as a boy and young golfer, it’s very nice.
“Everybody on the ballot deserves to be there. It’s unfortunate that everyone can’t be in, but it’s great to be included in the Class of 2024.”
Harrington will be officially inducted in a ceremony at June’s US Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina.
