Padraig Harrington

Ireland's Padraig Harrington celebrates 17 years on the professional circuit this year. As the three-time major winner looks to the future – he expects to be an active golfer until the age of 70 – this week's player profile brings fans up to date with this talented player's recent achievements.

Harrington, whose first name is frequently mispronounced by fans and commentators alike, made his professional debut in 1995 and has enjoyed a successful and varied career. With three major wins forming part of his total of 28 victories in Europe and the United States, Harrington has become a household name in international golf.

Two majors short of a grand slam, the Irishman has seen his ranking fluctuate over the years, from world number 3 in 2008 to the present day when he is just outside the world top 50. Though the Irishman has weathered a rough patch in his career of late, his recent win at the Grand Slam of Golf at the end of last year marked the end of a two year winning drought, and Harrington is excited about the coming season.

Having finished tied for ninth at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai at the end of last season, Harrington is eagerly awaiting an early start on the European Tour next week when he will join his follow-competitors in South Africa for the Volvo Golf Champions tournament. Harrington is keen to lift his world ranking from 59th in the world this season – he recently told journalists that he has been practising overtime and planning his strategy for this season with a view to regaining his former glory.

As Padraig Harrington, now 41, embarks on another professional golf season, his fans and competitors alike will be paying close attention to the talented Irishman as he returns to the tour in fighting condition.

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