Padraig Harrington won for the first time in two years on Sunday with a comfortable three-stroke victory at the Iskandar Johor Open.
Irishman wraps up three-shot victory on Asian Tour
Padraig Harrington won for the first time in two years on Sunday with a comfortable three-stroke victory at the Iskandar Johor Open.
The Irishman had not lifted a trophy - the Ryder Cup apart - since winning the US PGA Championship in 2008, but led from the opening round.
He began the final day with a five-shot lead and victory was never in doubt as he closed with a three-under-par 69 at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club.
The 39-year-old reeled off three bogeys from the second and although he bogeyed the fifth he added further gains on the 11th, 13th and 14th holes.
Two dropped shots in his last three holes mattered little as he comfortably sealed victory on his debut at the Asian Tour event.
South Korean Noh Seung-yul finished strongly with a superb seven-under 65 to claim second place while Chinese Tapiei's Lin Wen-tang took third following a 68.
"Two years is a long time, especially when you're reminded most weeks you play. It's nice and very important for me to win. It's somewhat a monkey off your back," said Harrington.
"Winning is a habit. Every time you win, it is important but when you haven't won for a while it does add a bit more emphasis to it. It makes it all the more memorable."
Fresh from helping Europe to Ryder Cup success earlier this month, Harrington had been in fine form throughout the tournament and held at least a share of the lead for the first three rounds.
"There's no doubt that it was my week to win," added the three-time major winner. "If you had followed me for the four days, I don't think anyone would have questioned that my name was written on the trophy before the tournament started.
"I got the breaks all the way through. I hit some good shots and had a few breaks. Luck of the Irish? I'll accept that."
