Padraig Harrington has become only the third man to win the Golf Writers' Trophy in successive seasons - by Telegraph.co.uk
The award is the culmination of an extraordinary year in which Harrington won both the Open and the USPGA titles, and signed the biggest individual sponsorship deal in Irish sporting history.
Harrington said: "It just shows how rare it is to peak two years running. To have one great year and win a major is fantastic but to follow it up by winning another two majors this year was beyond anything you could have hoped for.
"What is so satisfying is that in years to come people will look at the trophy and ask, 'What did he do to win it twice in succession?' and remember your achievements, just as you look at Tony Jacklin's name twice (1969-70) and recall his majors or Peter Oosterhuis (1973-74) and his Order of Merit wins.
"I have really appreciated all the accolades that I have received, especially at this time of year, but I am already back in work mode. I am back in the gym and I had my coach over last week so I am working hard again."
Tiger Woods points out that you often need a bit of luck to win a major and Harrington is no different. He said: "In each of my three major wins something happened that I could not have bargained for.
"At Carnoustie it was my son running on to the green on the 72nd hole and taking my mind off what had just happened. At Birkdale it was the wrist injury taking the stress out of defending my title, while at the USPGA I got dehydrated but the rain delay on the Saturday gave me a chance to recover."
Having beaten Sergio Garcia down the stretch in the final major of the season, Harrington recently remarked that he had "zero in common" with the Spaniard. Harrington rarely says anything without intelligent consideration, but even he may have been surprised at how that comment has become expanded almost to bursting point.
He said: "Next year there is going to be even more attention at the Masters and with the 'Paddy Slam'," – a reference to the prospect of Harrington emulating Woods' feat of winning four majors in a row.
