Between 2007 and 2008, Padraig Harrington spent about four days without the Claret Jug.
After winning the Open Championship in a playoff at Carnoustie in 2007, Harrington held onto the trophy before departing from it before the 2008 Open at Royal Birkdale. Four days later, he retained possession of the prized trophy.
Like Tiger Woods two years prior, Harrington successfully defended his British Open crown, and it marked the middle of a transcendent run for Padraig, who won the year’s final major, the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills in Michigan, a month later. In defending his title, though, Harrington became the first European to go back-to-back since James Braid in 1906.
“I’m holding on to this,” Harrington said after winning his second in a row. “I had a great year as Open Champion, so much so I didn’t want to give it back.”
Enjoy the highlights, then check out the clubs Harrington had in play 18 years ago below.
Driver: Wilson Staff DD6+ (9 degrees)
Shaft: Aldila VooDoo
SOUTHPORT, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 20: Padraig Harrington of the Republic of Ireland tees off on the 2nd during the final round of the 137th Open Championship on July 20, 2008 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
3-wood: TaylorMade Burner TP (13 degrees)
5-wood: Wilson Fybrid (18 degrees)
Irons: Wilson Ci7 (3-4), Wilson Pi5 (5-PW)
SOUTHPORT, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 20: Padraig Harrington of the Republic of Ireland plays a shot on the 4th during the final round of the 137th Open Championship on July 20, 2008 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Wedges: Wilson TW9 (54, 60 degrees)
Putter: Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Blade
SOUTHPORT, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 18: Padraig Harrington of the Republic of Ireland is watched by caddie R Flood as he lines up a putt on the 18th during the second round of the 137th Open Championship on July 18, 2008 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
