You are in > manchester.com  > News > Harrington: I never stopped believing

Golf

Harrington: I never stopped believing

22/07/2007

An emotional Padraig Harrington claimed it was his unwavering self-belief which helped him win the 136th Open at Carnoustie.

The Irishman beat Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia in a nerve-jangling four-hole playoff.

Harrington, 35, fired a final round of 67 to fight back from six strokes behind overnight to take a one-shot lead going into the final hole.

But the Dubliner found the Barry Burn stretch of water twice to double-bogey the 18th to finish on seven under.

Garcia crumbled on the final day and blew a four-stroke lead after dropping shots on the front nine.

The Spaniard failed to make a birdie putt on the 16th and needed a par on the 18th. But he put his second shot into a bunker and missed a ten-foot putt to make a bogey.

In the playoff, Harrington triumphed after holing his putt from three feet for his maiden Major.

Harrington said he was convinced he would triumph despite his double-bogey nightmare on the 18th.

"I think if I'd lost it would have been very hard to take. But I didn't allow myself to get down about taking six at the last," Harrington said.

"I convinced myself all along I was going to win and that if it was a playoff, I would do the business."

"Obviously I've come a long way. When I turned pro I'd have settled for being a good journeyman golfer.

"It's been great being named as someone who could win a major but that brings its own pressure."

Meanwhile, Andres Romero was delighted with his display after firing ten birdies to finish third.

The Argentine had lead by two strokes after 16 holes but double bogeyed the 17th after going out of bounds and dropping a shot at the final hole.

"I am pretty emotional despite the finish," Romero said.

"I am thrilled with the way I played. This is a tournament I have always looked at and wanted to do well in."

© Adfero Ltd