This was always going to happen.
Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy will play together for the first time in nearly four years after being paired together at this week’s Honda Classic.
The Irish duo featured in an absorbing interview with Sunday Independent journalist Paul Kimmage at the weekend, during which they realised they hadn’t played together since the 2014 Irish Open at Fota Island.
The interview has sent shockwaves through the golfing community because of Harrington and McIlroy’s honest and intriguingly contrasting takes on the sport, how they prepare for tournaments and fame, and it seems the PGA have capitalised on an opportunity to maintain the duo’s re-acquaintance.
After such a high-profile interview in which they admitted to not spending much time with each other, there was always a strong possibility that the PGA would pair them together. We’re not complaining, though – it’ll certainly keep Irish golf fans interested.
The pair will be alongside Australian Adam Scott – who was also mentioned briefly in Kimmage’s piece – for the first two rounds at the PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens.
Finished getting through this tremendous interview with Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington. A must-read: https://t.co/gt4SnpYyGU pic.twitter.com/aOs0amPSK1
— Adam Stanley (@adam_stanley) February 20, 2018
It’s a stellar field that also includes Justin Thomas, Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler.
The Irish pair have an excellent record at this tournament. McIlroy outlasted Tiger to win back in 2012 and lost in a play-off to Russell Henley two years later.
But Harrington can boast an even better record, having clinched the prestigious title in 2005 and 2015, the latter being his last victory on the PGA Tour.
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