GOLF – Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington appreciates the unique experience of playing in smaller or emerging markets like Bahrain on the DP World Tour.
The 53-year-old Irishman, who was first in the kingdom for the DP World Tour’s Volvo Golf Champions in 2011, has returned for this year’s Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship at The Royal Golf Club.
Harrington expressed his delight to be back, and has praised the kingdom for “genuinely” wanting to grow the sport.
“When we come to a smaller market, we can be embraced more,” the Ryder Cup legend told the GDN yesterday.
“You could see with the turnout of the opening ceremony and the people that were here, they want to grow with us. It’s nice to come here and somewhat be a big player.
“You can see how they genuinely want to develop golf here and get the locals playing golf.
“I think it’s nicer for us when we’re somewhere like this where we are – I’m not saying more appreciated, but – a bigger deal.”
Of his second trip to Bahrain, Harrington said: “It’s one of the best things about being a professional golfer – we travel to new places and oftentimes we travel back and see how those places developed in time.
“This is no different here – I’m really enjoying my trip, no doubt, but I also enjoyed it in 2011. You could see where it was heading then, and I thought it was very nice back then and I still think it’s nice now.”
Harrington played a one-under-par 71 in his first round yesterday, starting the day off with five birdies and just one bogey on the front nine but then carding three bogeys heading back to the clubhouse.
“It was a tough afternoon,” he said. “I played very nicely to get myself under par. It was hard not to be tentative on the greens with the wind that was there, so hopefully I have a better morning tomorrow and maybe catch up.”
Harrington is one of three Major winners competing in the kingdom this year. The others are Americans Patrick Reed and Jimmy Walker, who are also one under heading into today’s action.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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