mount juliet & royal portrush top our 2012 polls - Backspin Golf ...

If Padraigrediscovers his mojo,maintains high levelsof fitness and staysinjury free there isno reason why hecannot be a potentforce well into his40's and beyond.Harrington’s immediate focus is to gethis career back on track at the top level.He was a late bloomer, winning his firstmajor at Carnoustie in 2007 shortly beforehis 36th birthday. Within thirteen monthshe was a three-time major winner and hewas ranked 3rd in the world.Last year his tumble from that loftyperch gathered momentum at an alarmingrate. He ended the 2011 season languishingin 85th position in the World Rankings.Yet, as he seeks to arrest his slide, heremains one of the most dedicated anddetermined golfers on the planet. And if herediscovers his mojo, maintains high levelsof fitness and stays free of injury there is noreason why he cannot be a potent force wellinto his 40’s and beyond.For a classic example of longevity in golfat the top level, he only has to rewind to thefinal round of the 2008 Open at RoyalBirkdale when he partnered 53-year-oldGreg Norman. The Australian icon wasgunning for his third major title and carrieda two-shot lead into the final round, but hegot caught in the crossfire as Harringtonproduced one of the greatest last ninecharges in major championship history.On the subject of outstanding finishes inthe majors, perhaps the greatest of themall was Jack Nicklaus’s spectacular finalround charge to win his sixth MastersGreen Jacket at Augusta National in 1986at the ripe old age of 46.Left: Padraig Harrington is oneof the most successful golfers ofthe modern era with three majorchampionship victories.Photo courtesy of FTI Consultingcontinued...BACKSPIN | 5