Wilson Staff Advisory Member Padraig Harrington Repeats as British Open Champion

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Victory marks 60th major championship title won with Wilson irons

Wilson Staff Advisory Member Padraig Harrington edged out Ian Poulter and overtook Greg Norman yesterday to capture The 137th Open Championship title at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, marking the 60th major tournament title won with Wilson Staff irons. It is Harrington's second consecutive win at the Open and gives him back-to-back wins coming off his victory last week at the Irish PGA Championship.

Wilson Staff equipment dominated Harrington's bag en route to victory at Royal Birkdale: Dd6+, FYbrid 5-wood, Ci7 series 3- and 4-irons (rifle 6.5), Pi series 5-iron through pitching wedge, and prototype Tw9 wedges (54 and 60 degrees). The win is even more impressive given the status of Harrington's wrist earlier this week, having sprained it in the practice rounds.

On his way to bringing the Claret Jug back home to Ireland for a second time and becoming only the fifth back-to-back Open winner in the last 50 years, Harrington overcame not only injury but less than perfect weather conditions, with wind, rain and cool weather throughout the tournament, as well as the added pressure of defending his championship. The win makes him the first Irishman to win two major tournaments as well as the first European to win back-to-back Open Championships since James Braid, who did so in 1906.

Starting off the final round, Harrington had lost his lead with tough holes on the 6th, 7th and 8th, but charged back with birdies at 13 and 15 to give him a two-shot lead. Following a precise approach shot with his Wilson Staff FYbrid 5-wood, Harrington sunk a five-foot putt for eagle on 17 to stretch his lead to four shots. He closed strong at the 18th hole by striking a solid tee shot to make par and clinch the victory, finishing with a final-round 1-under 69 and 3-over-par 283 for the tournament.

"We couldn't be more proud of Padraig for this victory, which is so meaningful for the entire Wilson Golf Team," said Tim Clarke, general manager, Wilson Golf. "Winning one major championship is a great feat. Winning back-to-back Opens is something a group of players in the history of the game has accomplished. Padraig was able to overcome some difficult conditions as a result of hard work and preparation, making it a truly deserving win."

Harrington, the 16th repeat winner in British Open history, is one of eight past or current Wilson Advisory members to raise the Claret Jug. The list includes some of golf's most legendary players who previously recorded Open wins in 1932, 1946, 1961, 1962, 1976, 1981, 1995, 1999 and 2007.

Harrington felt that his win was a mix of consistent play along with mental preparation. "I was real good today. I got my mind in the right place, I hit all the shots nearly all day," he said. Harrington also graciously lauded Norman's professionalism and sportsmanship on the course while accepting the Claret Jug at the trophy ceremony.