Padraig Harrington secured his second successive Open title with a final round of 69 at Royal Birkdale yesterday.
The Wilson golfer ended the tournament three over par – four shots ahead of Cobra player Ian Poulter and six in front of Greg Norman and Srixon''s Henrik Stenson.
Harrington''s victory means he is the first European player to record back-to-back wins at The Open since 1906, when James Braid successfully defended his title.
"I convinced myself I could win and I stayed focused and managed to get the job done," Harrington said afterwards.
The 36-year-old Dubliner added: "I had a great year as the Open champion, so much so I did not want to give it back."
Harrington beat Taylormade golfer Sergio Garcia in a playoff at Carnoustie for his first Open title last year. This time round he finished in style, with a superb eagle at the 17th hole delighting the Royal Birkdale spectators.
A wrist injury had threatened to prevent Harrington from defending his title, but his decision to play was rewarded with his second Major victory and a confirmed place in Nick Faldo''s Ryder Cup side for September.
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