TUCKER’S TOWN, Bermuda ' For double-major winner Padraig Harrington, the most exclusive golf tournament of the year is also one of the most relaxing.
The Irishman said Monday he is focused on improving his swing at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, the season-ending events open only to winners of major championships.
‘We’re competitive when we’re out here, but it’s nice and relaxed to come out here and play golf,’ said the current PGA Championship and British Open champion. ‘I brought my wife down here this time. We’re having a bit of a holiday.’
He will face Masters winner Trevor Immelman and previous major winners Retief Goosen and Jim Furyk in the 36-hole tournament beginning Tuesday at the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda.
First place brings $600,000 and the honor of the Pink Jacket, but Harrington said he is approaching the event more as practice for next season.
‘I’ve got six months to get ready for the next major,’ he said. ‘If you’re going to tinker with your golf swing, you’ve got to wait for the offseason. The off season’s got so short, you have to do it at the end of the in-season.’
Furyk and Goosen are filling in for Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The fourth-place finisher takes home $200,000. Angel Cabrera defeated Harrington in a three-hole playoff last year in Bermuda.
