Indian can win Major in time to come: Padraig Harrington

In a career spanning two decades and more, Padraig Harrington had as many more misses than title wins. The three-time Major winner from Ireland, however, takes pride in those second place finishes as they helped him think about his game and improve his mental strength.

At 44, Harrington says, the losses have been a learning experience and believes he has the ‘competitiveness’ to be on the PGA and European Tours even after he is 50.

“Winning is a good habit but you don’t learn that much. You learn more when you lose, looking back to see where you made mistakes. Again I wouldn’t like to look at all 29 finishes as losses, most were good weeks and whilst I did mess up sometimes, I learnt a lot from them,” the 14-time European Tour winner said.

Harrington, who is currently playing in Florida, will headline a strong field at the Hero Indian Open golf tournament at the Delhi Golf Club next week.

In an email interview, the Dublin native spoke on the Indian Open, on Tiger Woods and many more. Excerpts:

On the surge of Indian golfers: There is obviously more and more Indians coming to the forefront of world golf. We have Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa and Arjun Atwal. I think Anirban Lahiri is the current man in form, a player capable of winning anywhere in the world and in the next couple of years will put himself in position that he could win a Major. I do believe an Indian player can win a Major in time to come.

On the Indian Open: I hope to have a competitive week and get into contention. I know if I get in contention on Sunday I’m good under that sort of pressure. That’s what I’m most looking forward to.

On his 29 second place finishes: At one point, I did have 29 second places on the European Tour — a lot of those were good finishes where I played well, sometimes players played better than me and sometimes I messed up.

On Tiger Woods: I think the injury break will give him a break and a release, so when he does come back he will be mentally sharp and really want it. His focus could be right back at the top, he might not play as well as he has done in the past, but I certainly believe he can come back and win tournaments.

I think most players realise that it’s not just the injury he needs to get over, it’s the mental strength he needs to come back.

On how long he sees himself playing golf: I love playing golf. I’m going to keep playing as long as I can. I’m on the PGA and European Tours now, and will stay on them as long as I can, even past the age of 50. I’m still competitive out there and I would rather play out there than the Champions Tour, but one thing is for sure, I’m going to continue playing golf.