Harrington beaten in play-off

Pádraig Harrington has become only the second European to be named the PGA of America Player of the Year

GRAND SLAM OF GOLF: PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON was beaten in a play-off for the 36-hole PGA Grand Slam of Golf for the second year running in Bermuda yesterday.

Twelve months after Angel Cabrera eagled the last to catch the Irishman and then won at the third extra hole, Jim Furyk birdied the 18th and then eagled it when they went into sudden death.

Harrington, four clear at one point last year, had been two ahead with seven to play this time and also one up on the final tee, but he once more had to settle for the €230,000 runners-up cheque rather than the €450,000 first prize.

Retief Goosen was third on one over and US Masters champion Trevor Immelman fourth and last four strokes further back.

On Tuesday Harrington had become the second European to win the prestigious PGA Player of the Year award, the PGA of America announced.

The world number four, who enhanced his glowing status in the game by claiming the British Open and PGA Championship this season, follows in the footsteps of Nick Faldo, who received the accolade in 1990.

The PGA Player of the Year award, first presented in 1948 to Ben Hogan, is based on a mathematical formula that weighs tournament wins, official money standing and scoring average.

Although there are four events remaining on the US PGA Tour, Harrington has accumulated a points tally of 116 which cannot be overhauled by his closest challengers.

World number one Tiger Woods, a nine-time winner of the award, lies second on 78 points, but had to shut down his season after winning the US Open in June to have reconstructive knee surgery.

Vijay Singh is third on 62 with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia tied on 54.

The Dubliner became the first European to win the US PGA crown in 78 years, emulating Tommy Armour who triumphed in 1930.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times