Padraig Harrington wins Golf Writers’
Trophy 2007

Padraig Harrington has joined three of his Irish golfing heroes in winning the Golf Writers’ Trophy for 2007. Yet the 36-year-old Irishman, whose dedication and perseverance made him the Open champion at Carnoustie, is already implementing changes in a bid to continue his winning ways.
Harrington’s triumphant year, culminating in the birth of his second son, Ciaran, also included victory at the Irish Open. At Adare Manor he became the first home winner for 25 years in an event he calls his “fifth major”.
At Carnoustie Harrington came from six strokes behind Sergio Garcia on an unforgettable final day. He demonstrated astonishing equanimity at the 72nd hole as he survived a double-bogey, twice finding the Barry Burn, before defeating the Spaniard in a four-hole playoff.
He was the first Irishman since Fred Daly in 1947 to win the claret jug and the first European to collect any major since Paul Lawrie won at Carnoustie in 1999.
Having already been honoured with the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year award, Harrington claimed over 75 per cent of the vote in the annual poll of Golf Writers.
Justin Rose, who won the European order of merit and was the most consistent player in the majors behind Tiger Woods, finished clear in second place with Scotland’s World Cup-winning duo of Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren coming third.
Suzann Pettersen, who became the first player from Norway ever to win a major championship, led the list of other fine achievements also recognised in the poll.
Among those also featuring were Spain’s Pablo Martin, the first amateur to win on the modern European Tour, Ireland’s teenage sensation Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Nick Dougherty and Niclas Fasth, as well as Ladies European Tour No 1 Sophie Gustafson, Catriona Matthew, Becky Brewerton, Lisa Hall, Bettina Hauert and British women's amateur stroke-play champion Melissa Reid.
Harrington is the fourth Irishman to win the Golf Writers’ Trophy in its 57-year history. Joe Carr took the award in only its third year in 1953, World Cup-winner Harry Bradshaw was the winner in 1958 and Christy O’Connor Snr came out on top exactly 30 years ago.
“I was thrilled to get the news that I had won the Golf Writers' award,” Harrington said.“I have a great respect for the writers' organisation and it means a lot to find myself bracketed alongside such great former winners, especially the Irish players, Joe Carr, Harry Bradshaw and Christy O'Connor Snr. All are great heroes of mine.
“The hardest part about winning something as big as the Open is probably motivating yourself to move on. The focus now is to move forward and not look back even though this award is in recognition of a good year.
“Of course I've started thinking ahead to Royal Birkdale... In so far as it's possible, I'm going to make a point of setting about doing everything in the same way as I did last year, minus my visits to the Barry Burn!
“Technically, I still think that my swing is improving and I'm changing to playing with a fade rather then a draw. With regards to my golf clubs I am trying a new Wilson driver and three-wood, as well as their new FYbrid series and considering using their Ci7 game improvement irons.”
One of the game’s finest ambassadors, Harrington helped to present the Association’s Outstanding Services award to Bob Torrance at the Open Championship dinner, paying a wonderful tribute to his veteran coach.
Harrington will receive his Golf Writers’ Trophy at next year’s Open dinner.
Lewine Mair, chairman of the Association of Golf Writers, said: “Padraig is the consummate professional, someone who gives 100 per cent to every aspect of his career, including his dealings with the media. It is impossible to think of a better role-model for the golfing youth of today. He thoroughly deserves this award in a year of fine achievements at all levels of the game in Europe.”
Guy Kinnings, on behalf of Harrington’s representatives, the International Management Group, said: “This is recognition on the world stage. Any player is hugely proud when he is being honoured on this scale by the writers.”
The Golf Writers’ Trophy was first awarded in 1951 and honours the individual, born or resident in Europe, or team deemed to have made the most outstanding contribution to golf each year.
Harrington has been a member of three Ryder Cup teams to have received the award.