| Harrington’s Mysterious Withdrawal
Colin Montgomerie’s recent victory in the Hong Kong Open was somewhat overshadowed
by the late withdrawal of Ireland’s Padraig Harrington.
The Dubliner’s name was officially withdrawn late on the previous week
for the $US1.2million event much to the surprise of tournament officials.
The former champion of two years ago looked set to participate once again
after only registering a week previously but the organisers were left perplexed
by Harrington’s sudden withdrawal.
A spokesman said: “He entered last week and then informed the organisers
that he was not coming.”
After recently receiving his sixth Texaco Award Harrington’s successes
this year include two magnificent victories on the US Tour. In his first
full year as a fully-exempt player on the PGA Tour Harrington picked up
his first wins and earned over $2.6 million.
His first victory came at The Honda Classic when he came from seven strokes
behind to tie with Vijay Singh and Joe Ogilvie at 14-under. After Ogilvie
was eliminated on the first extra hole he held his nerve to beat Singh on
the next hole. His second victory came at the Barclays Classic. It could
not have been won in more dramatic fashion with Harrington defeating Jim
Furyk by one stroke after sinking an incredible 66-foot eagle putt on the
final hole.
Montgomerie’s latest victory has taken him into the world’s top 10 for
the first time in almost three years. The Scot has soared from 17th place
to ninth and is now the second-highest placed European behind Spain’s Sergio
Garcia in sixth.
Montgomerie’s progress has meant he has already achieved the goal he
was setting himself for the new year. He said: “My goal at the start of
2006 was to try to get into the top 10 in the world.”
Tiger Woods remains well clear in first place with the top eight unchanged.
Padraig Harrington remains as the top Irishman in 12th while Darren Clarke
— who was defeated by Jim Furyk in a play-off at the Sun City Challenge
— is in 19th place and Paul McGinley in 21st.
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