Harrington Is The PGA Champion

After his second successive win in the British Open last month he was hailed as an Irish sporting legend, it is difficult then to think of words befitting Padraig Harrington's latest victory but second placed Ben Curtis did his best. "That's Tiger-like right there," Curtis said of the Irishman after the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills on Sunday. "He knows how to win. He's not afraid to win. And that's what it takes."

Harrington captured his second major championship of the year by holding off Sergio Garcia and chasing down third-round leader Ben Curtis. Garcia finished with a 68 and Curtis shot 71.

Harrington, who won his second straight Open title at Royal Birkdale last month, became the first European to win the USPGA since Scotland-born Tommy Armour in 1930, the first European to win consecutive majors and also became the first player since Tiger Woods in 2006 to win back-to-back-majors.

The Dubliner joins Woods (2006, 2000), Nick Price (1994) and Walter Hagen (1924) as the only players to win the final two majors in the same year.

"I did really like the fact no other European has won two majors consecutively," said the 36-year-old Harrington.

"I hold a lot of European players I grew up watching in the '80s in high esteem. To achieve something they didn't is very special to me."

Praise for the win was forthcoming from Ireland as An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, T.D. paid tribute to Harrington following his 'incredible' victory.

The Taoiseach said, "I want to congratulate Padraig on his incredible victory in the USPGA Championship.

"To win two British Opens back to back is quite an achievement but to win two Majors back to back is absolutely incredible.

"To become the first Irishman to win a Major in the US ensures his place in sporting history and legend.

"Yet again Padraig's performance on the back 9 of a Major epitomized everything about the man - skill, courage, determination and sheer class."

"It is easy to run out of superlatives when we talk about Padraig, both as a man and a sportsman.

"He is undoubtedly one of the greatest talents this country has ever produced and has brought great pride and honor to Ireland. I salute Padraig on his outstanding achievement." the Taoiseach added.

Martin Cullen T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism also extended his congratulations to Harrington.

Speaking from Beijing, where he is attending the Olympic Games, Minister Cullen TD said: "Padraig Harrington's victory at Oakland Hills is an outstanding personal achievement for this champion Irish golfer.

"As the first European to win the US PGA since Scotland's Tommy Armour in 1930, Harrington's accomplishment is an inspiration.

"He is also the first person since Tiger Woods to record consecutive Major wins.

"He now proudly and deservedly has added the Wanamaker Trophy to the two Claret Jugs.

"I congratulate this truly gifted Irishman on the enormity of his victory.

"Harrington is a sportsman who has honed his talent to achieve true greatness and he is clearly Ireland's greatest-ever sportsman."