Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington has credited the Champions Tour and the urge to ‘find the secret’ for his longevity in the game
Harrington, 52, turned pro back in 1995 and is still competing regularly on the PGA and DP World Tour.
More recently he has turned to the Champions Tour where he has won six times with no sign that his game is in decline.
“I think the Champions Tour has really helped me,” said Harrington. “When you come back out here you are competing to win. You’re up there in contention. The idea the winning piques your interest and you’re into it.
“I think if I was out there struggling to make putts I think I would quickly lose interest. The Champions Tour really does do the job its meant to do. It gives you a second lease on life.
“And during the winter, I had pneumonia and I’ve been struggling. I still worked on my technique and swing, and you’re coming back out with a few things you’ve changed and a lot of hope. You’re always coming back out thinking you found the secret.
“I remember watching an interview with Arnold Palmer, Champions Tour event. I would say he was close to 70 at the time. Came in and shot a low one, had beaten his age. He was like absolutely blushing with excitement in the interview saying he had found the secret.
“Anybody that plays the game long enough, we all dream of finding the secret. We take the reality that we know that ain’t ever happening.
“You always think, maybe I’ll wake up tomorrow and I have that one key thought that I believe in and trust and it’ll never go wrong.”
