I'm on another level now insists Padraig after dramatic Open success

Padraig Harrington is celebrating joining a ‘special club’ after becoming the first European for more than a century to successfully defend The Open.

That tastes good: Harrington kisses the famous old trophy

The Irishman won by four shots from Englishman Ian Poulter after playing one of the greatest strokes in tournament history to set up an eagle three on the 71st hole.

He said: ‘Winning a major puts you in select company but defending an Open places you in a special club. This is a different feeling to the first one. Last year was a thrilling win and I was on top of the world when I won. But this year is more satisfying.

'I feel more accomplished this year and it will probably give me more confidence.’

Harrington gave credit to playing partner Greg Norman, who helped turn this 137th edition into one of the great Opens.

The 53-year-old Australian was bidding to shatter the record of oldest winner of The Open, which belongs to Old Tom Morris, who won in 1867 at the age of 46. In the event his heroic effort fell just short, as he finished joint third alongside Swede Henrik Stenson.

Harrington said: ‘If you ever want to be playing with someone in the last group of an Open, he is the perfect guy. He says good shot when it needs to be said and he does his own thing as well. I said to him that I was sorry it wasn’t his story that was going to be told.

'He is definitely someone that everyone in the game can look up to.’

Did you see what daddy did? Harrington celebrates with his son Patrick

I cannot believe your shot at the 17th: Ian Poulter reflects on what might have been

Norman said: ‘To say I am disappointed would be an understatement but I can walk away from here with my head held high. You have to be impressed with what
Padraig did today. It looked like it was getting away from him early on but a
final round 69 was a great score in those conditions.’

Poulter was also full of praise for Harrington, and particularly his tournament-winning shot at the 17th.

‘That was an awesome blow, and hats off to him, winning back to back is very impressive,’ he said.

Poulter shot a final round 69 capped off with a gutsy 15-footer on the final green to conclusively show he has substance along with style. It did not take him long to look forward. ‘I really enjoyed myself today and I am sure I can go one from this and
contend in other majors,’ he said.

‘I’ve also put myself right back in the picture to make the Ryder Cup team.’

The other leading figure on the final day was English amateur Chris Wood,
who finished joint fifth. He said: ‘It has been an absolutely amazing week
and to win the Silver Medal that goes to the leading amateur is something
to really treasure at the end of it.’