SOUTH AFRICAN OPEN: Pádraig Harrington, the first European to win the PGA Tour Player of the Year, has said it is comparable to landing a major championship. "It is an individual game when we're out there competing but you do want and crave the respect of your fellow pros," said the British Open and US PGA champion.

"The fact they have picked me as their Player of the Year, I find it hard to describe.

"I can't believe I can actually say something can compare to going out there and winning a major championship but this accolade, no doubt in my mind, is right up there.

The 37-year-old Dubliner felt fortunate to claim the honour ahead of Tiger Woods, who defied stabbing knee pain to win the US Open at Torrey Pines.

Im realistic enough to know Tigers high standards obviously hurt him in not winning the Player of the Year," said Harrington.

"The fact Tiger has won it so many times (nine) and has achieved so much, what he did this year was exceptional in the six tournaments he played.

"What he did at the US Open on a broken leg is unheard of. No doubt, he deserved to win Player of the Year.

Harrington also edged out Vijay Singh, Camilo Villegas and Kenny Perry .