Padraig Harrington still feels he poses a 'major' threat
Padraig Harrington in action at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in November 2025.(Image: (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images))Golfing legend Padraig Harrington believes he still has what it takes to win a major championship.The Dubliner is one of the best European golfers in history and has won three major championships in a stellar career.Those wins came at The Open in 2007 and 2008, and the PGA Championship also in 2008. Since then, Harrington has failed to add to his tally, however, he has added to that haul with a trio of major wins on the PGA Champions Tour.One of the greatest strengths of Harrington has always been his unshakeable belief in himself. And even now, at 54, with his most recent major win close to two decades ago, the Rathfarnham hasn't ruled out another remarkable tilt at one of the sport's top honours.He will play in three of the four majors next year, and feels as though he could still cause a shock, particularly at the US Open when it is held at Shinnecock Hills."Shinnecock Hills plays like a links. US Opens tend to have been my most consistent events over the years," Harrington said in an interview with Greg Allen on RTE."Really tough challenge, good short game, good decisions. So I see myself with a few opportunities."Padraig Harrington winning in 2007Perhaps the most famous veteran major challenger in recent times came in 2009 at The Open when 8-time major winner Tom Watson came from nowhere to come within a whisker of winning a first major title in 26 years.Harrington understands the comparison, but while Watson was a surprise contender, Harrington believes he will need to get on a real hot streak of form in order to pose a major threat."I don't necessarily think I'm gonna go in and win one on the blind, like a Tom Watson. I think if I'm going to win one, you'll see me in contention in some regular events going into it."I don't see myself jumping in there and having an out-of-body experience and winning. I see myself playing well, getting my game in good shape and building my way into those events and playing well, getting myself in contention. I know I can do it if it's down the stretch."But if I'm going to compete, I'll have played in the regular events before them and shown some form, put it like that. I'm not looking for a lucky week. I'm looking to get my game in good shape that I'm an outsider going into it - 'what about him?' sort of thing."I don't expect to be the favourite going into it, but I need to move myself into that category of 'don't write off Harrington, he could do okay this week', and then get myself into position with nine holes to go."I feel like I can compete with anybody in that situation."Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
