Frustrated Woods Hails Harrington’s Triumph

Tiger Woods has congratulated Padraig Harrington for his PGA Championship victory, while at the same time expressing frustration that he wasn’t there to battle it out with the Irishman.

Writing in his newsletter, Woods said he watched some of the action unfold at Oakland Hills last week when Harrington won his second straight major after the Open at Royal Birkdale.

US Open winner Woods, of course, had won the PGA Championship the previous two times but was unable to compete in the final two majors of the season because of a knee injury that will keep him out of action until at least next season. He wrote:

“I watched some of the PGA Championship and want to congratulate Padraig Harrington on his wins at the British and PGA. As a two-time defending PGA champion, it was a lot more frustrating not to be competing and that hurts the most.

“The thing I miss the most about not competing is the fight. I’ve gone through this experience before, so I knew what I was in for. I know I’m in no condition to beat anybody right now, so I don’t have a problem with not being able to compete.”

Woods is happy with his recovery so far but said he would not be able to even attempt a swing until next year.

Meanwhile, Harrington’s victory last week bodes well for defending champions Europe at this year’s Ryder Cup.

Nick Faldo’s team not only have a bunch of Europeans, led by Harrington, itching to win in the United States’ backyard but they won’t have to contend with Tiger – not that Woods has ever been a major factor in team events.

But two-time Open winner Harrington is likely to be the target of American players according to some reports.

PGA Tour player Boo Weekley said in a Belfast Telegraph article that there will be a queue of Americans eager to take him on. Said Weekley:

“He’s got a target on his back – yes, sir. I want to beat anybody I tee it up against and it would be an honour to beat him. I’m ready to go out now. It doesn’t matter who Paul puts me against.”

However, golfing legend Jack Nicklaus is still backing the US to reclaim the trophy at the Valhalla Club on the course he designed. He said his only advice to US captain Paul Azinger was to let the players “go out and play”.


One Response to “Frustrated Woods Hails Harrington’s Triumph”

  1. I wish the Americans luck; I think they’re going to need plenty of it in the Ryder Cup. Harrington is the new boss man and his posse of European Ryder Cup players aren’t exactly lacking.

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