May21 Hazzawinsplayoff
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Padraig Harrington won the Irish Open in front of his adoring fans, but only just.
The 35-year-old Dubliner seemed to have it all sewn up going into the final round with a three-shot lead. And when he eagled the par-5 ninth to go four shots clear of the chasing pack, the writing looked like it was on the wall.
But Welshman Bradley Dredge hadn’t seen the wall! As Harrington stuttered on the back nine with a couple of bogeys, Dredge fired four birdies to end with a 68. Harrington scrambled in with a 71 and a play-off followed.
Both players drove into the rough and both players hit their second shots into more rough. But the next shot proved decisive. Harrington put his to within 20 feet. while Dredge put his in the mud. Harrington two-putted and made history.
He became the first Irishman to win the Irish Open for 25 years.
“I have always said this is like a fifth Major to me.” He said. “So, to win it, I’m ecstatic.”
