Padraig Harrington

  • PGA, Three-Time Major Champion, and Former Ryder Cup Captain
  • Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics
  • Philanthropist and Founder, The Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation

Golf Major Champion, Olympian and Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington has a career total of more than 30 victories around the world, and has achieved great distinction in the sport, not only for his titles, but also for his work ethic, affability, and dogged determination. As the Irish Times said, "Harrington’s discipline, earning him the reputation as the hardest working player on tour, almost always the last to leave the practice range, stood him well." The New York Times points out that Harrington "Chooses to Believe" and credits his hard work, tenacity and attititude in achieving such high ranks in the sport.

Padraig’s professional career began in 1995, when he secured his European Tour card, shortly before gaining his maiden tour victory at the 1996 Spanish Open after only 10 events as a professional. In 1999 he fulfilled one of his career ambitions, qualifying for the European Ryder Cup team, thus beginning an association with the famous trophy that continues to the present day. Three Major victories in the space of 13 months helped him to reach a career high of third in the World Rankings and earned him the European Tour, PGA Tour and PGA of America Player of the Year awards. In addition, he won the Golf Writers’ trophies on both sides of the Atlantic and the European Tour Shot of the Year. Padraig represented Ireland at the 2016 Olympics.

Padraig is actively involved in many charities including the Special Olympics and cancer awareness. Padraig's father died from oesophageal cancer and now helps to raise awareness about cancer signs and treatments, saying: "When you get a symptom, don't ignore it. Do something about it."

Clune Construction sums up hosts' reaction to an event with Padraig: “We have had the pleasure of engaging Padraig for a number of our corporate events and while his golf was the draw, the highlight on each occasion ended up being his speech presentation and interaction with our clients “

 

Padraig Harrington headshot
Past Hosts Include:
  • Wilson Golf
  • Clune Construction
  • Association of Golf Writers
  • Irish Golf Tourism
  • Ryder Cup Captain
  • Special Olympics
Rave Reviews About Padraig Harrington
“We have had the pleasure of engaging Padraig for a number of our corporate events and while his golf was the draw, the highlight on each occasion ended up being his speech presentation and interaction with our clients “

Virtual Interview - Feherty Up Close From A Distance: Padraig Harrington | Golf Channel [10:11] - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Padraig Harrington
Expand all >

Virtual Golf Tips from Padraig Harrington: Client Rewards, Sales Team Perks and a Thrill for Your Audience

If you are looking for a special way to engage virtual audiences, imagine the thrill your guests will experience from a golf session with Ryder Cup Captain PADRAIG HARRINGTON .  This special program is sure to create a buzz - as the main event, a reward for loyal customers, a sales team perk or even ...

If you are looking for a special way to engage virtual audiences, imagine the thrill your guests will experience from a golf session with Ryder Cup Captain PADRAIG HARRINGTON .  This special program is sure to create a buzz - as the main event, a reward for loyal customers, a sales team perk or even a breath-of-fresh air in the midst of a virtual conference.

Facebook  Instagram  Twitter 
(-)
Press & Media
(-)
Ideas for the Meeting Planner
(-)
Biography

Padraig’s professional career began in 1995, when he secured his European Tour card, shortly before gaining his maiden tour victory at the 1996 Spanish Open after only 10 events as a professional.

In 1999 he fulfilled one of his career ambitions, qualifying for the European Ryder Cup team, thus beginning an association with the famous trophy that continues to the present day. 

After achieving the European number one ranking and securing the Harry Vardon Trophy in 2006, the following year Padraig won the Irish Open at Adare Manor, the first Irishman to win the national title for 25 years, emulating the victory of John O’Leary in 1982. A few months later he became the first European to win a Major Championship since 1999 and the first player from Ireland in 60 years since Fred Daly at Hoylake in 1947 to capture the Claret Jug, when he was victorious at the Open Championship at Carnoustie. 

The following year he became the first European since James Braid in 1906 to successfully defend his title, retaining the Open Championship title at Royal Birkdale, becoming only the 16th player to defend The Open and the 24th player to record multiple Open victories. Only three weeks later, Padraig won the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills, Michigan, in the process becoming the first European since Scotland’s Tommy Armour in 1930 to acquire back-to-back Major titles.

The three Major victories in the space of 13 months helped him to reach a career high of third in the World Rankings and earned him the European Tour, PGA Tour and PGA of America Player of the Year awards. In addition, he won the Golf Writers’ trophies on both sides of the Atlantic and the European Tour Shot of the Year.

With a career total of 30 victories around the world, Padraig continues to compete at the elite level and has achieved the great distinction of been appointed Captain of the 2020 European Ryder Cup team, which will take place at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, this September. As a player, he was a regular in the side for over a decade, winning on four occasions, including a key role in Europe’s win over the United States at The Celtic Manor Resort in 2010, and has been a Vice-Captain for the last three Ryder Cups.

Padraig is a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics and a patron of the Irish charity, Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF). He actively promotes Lollipop Day, the designated day for oesophageal cancer fundraising in Ireland. Padraig raises funds through various events for the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation and is also a Make-A-Wish Ambassador.

Born in Dublin, Padraig is a proud family man and is married to Caroline with two children, Patrick and Ciaran.