John O'Sullivangets the views of two Irishman who have come within touching distance of an Open win
There can be a compulsion to ferret out sporting symmetries when chronicling great achievements, so there is little surprise to discover a tie that binds the new British Open champion, Padraig Harrington, and arguably Ireland's greatest ever golfer, Christy O'Connor Snr.
In 1965, O'Connor Snr finished runner-up behind Peter Thomson when the Australian won his fifth British Open at Royal Birkdale, coincidentally the scene of his first success in that tournament.
Next year Harrington will bring the Claret Jug to Southport to defend the title as the Open rota once again alights on Royal Birkdale.
O'Connor Snr, or Himself, as the 83-year-old icon is known, spent Sunday afternoon watching every shot that allowed Harrington to bridge a 60-year gap.
"I'm very proud of him and Ireland should be very proud of Padraig," he said. "When asked four or five years ago, I said that Ireland had two players who had the game to win the British Open, and I singled out Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke. I thought at that time it would be a matter of when, not if, and I'm thrilled it's come to pass.
"I'm delighted for Harrington but do have sympathy for the other players, particularly Sergio Garcia and Andres Romero, who finished six, five. I'm not sure people appreciate how difficult the 18th hole is at Carnoustie. I have played there many times so I know exactly how tough it is. While they didn't get the wind anticipated, that closing stretch is particularly demanding.
"When you look back at the afternoon, several players put themselves in a position to contend, but in the end it was Harrington who demonstrated the belief and the quality to capture the title.
"I heartily congratulate him on a job well done.
"I know what it's like to stand on the 18th tee contending for a British Open. (That day) in 1965 I caught a bunker off the tee and ended up taking five.
"Having won the British Open once, I think Padraig can go on and win more majors. Winning the first one could just be a starting point for him, and I hope that's the case."
Continuing on a theme, Christy O'Connor Jnr was also offered a brief glimpse of British Open glory in 1985, when he finished in a tie for third behind Sandy Lyle at Royal St George Golf Club.
Having tipped Harrington and Ernie Els on radio last Thursday, he enthused: "It was one of the most thrilling days in golf for a long, long time and I spent most of it biting my fingernails.
"I thought that Padraig played impeccably for 17 holes. I don't know, there must be a witch buried there somewhere on the 18th.
"The players would probably cope much better with the hole if it came in the middle of the round rather than the final hole.
"There's no real bale-out and the player is required to hit two exceptional shots to make the green.
"I thought Padraig prepared superbly by playing in the Irish PGA Championship (at The European Club). His was a great six on 18 during regular play after enduring two visits to the water.
"His play during the play-off was just incredible. Brilliant irons to the first and 17th holes, a great up-and-down at 16; he was so strong mentally. I don't agree that Garcia lost it; I think Padraig won the title.
"His success, combined with the wonderful performance of Rory McIlroy, is a huge boost for Irish golf and could be the start of something really special in the sport."
