Paddy Strikes Again

Going into the U.S. Senior Open at Scioto, we weren’t sure the golf course would play to Padraig Harrington's strengths. Scioto is a course that rewards precision more than power, meaning it demanded plenty of 3-woods, 5-woods, and long irons off the tee rather than aggressive driver play. Early in the week, Paddy even commented that he wasn't convinced the course suited his game.

As it turned out, when you're a champion, the golf course becomes a perfect fit.

One of the biggest takeaways came on the greens. At Shinnecock a few weeks earlier, Paddy kept insisting that his stroke and start line were excellent despite the putts not falling. Naturally, Chen and I wondered if he was being overly optimistic. Scioto—and even the following week at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open, where he lost in a playoff—proved he was right. He putted beautifully.

His improvement with the scoring clubs has been just as impressive. The precision of his wedges and irons has continued to improve throughout the season. I remember that after winning last year's Senior Open Championship, Paddy wasn't satisfied with his accuracy. Even after a major championship victory, his focus was on becoming more precise without giving up the speed that has become such a competitive advantage.

That challenge—improving accuracy while maintaining speed—is exactly what biomechanics is all about. We embrace the challenge!

Watching that process unfold has been incredibly rewarding. Year after year, his swing continues to evolve. When you compare his motion today to where it was just a few seasons ago, the improvement is obvious. He continues to get better.

I'm excited to watch his next opportunity in a regular tour major. The work continues to pay off, and it's a privilege to be part of the journey.

Keep going, Paddy. You're proving time stand stills.