PNC CHAMPIONSHIP

December 22, 2024

Padraig Harrington

Patrick Harrington

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. Patrick's ace, can you just talk us through the thoughts and emotions?

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON: I've never been so excited in my life. It was a great shot, which is nice.

You know, I know my first hole-in-one wasn't a spectacularly good shot. That was perfect swing, perfect shot, and when it went in, I've never experienced anything like it, the joy of it. Because obviously you can win tournaments and do that, and that's a different sort of pressure and excitement.

That was just pure joy.

PATRICK HARRINGTON: I knew it was a good shot, and I was kind of fading it in. And then to just see everyone on the back of the green erupt was an unbelievable feeling. I remember looking over at you --

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON: I couldn't believe it. Because we see it happen a lot. You hear the noise and you're watching, the crowds know, they go berserk and you go berserk. To be honest it was a really nice pairing, the O'Mearas. Everybody enjoyed it. I don't think it could have been a better golfing moment. As I said, there was a nice crowd. Everybody was into it, the O'Mearas, the whole thing. It was perfectly timed.

Q. And actually, the first ace that was shot this tournament was Shaun in 2014.

PATRICK HARRINGTON: Yeah, it's funny, walking down the 7th, he said -- because we had just heard that Charlie had a hole-in-one on 4. He said, "I used to be the only one that had a hole-in-one, and now there's two," as we walked off.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON: This is the actual pin flag from the hole.

Q. What did you say to him afterwards?

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON: I was too excited. You couldn't have talked to me. I was gone. This is a great event, and all of it is great. And we try and play well, but that was sheer joy.

PATRICK HARRINGTON: I couldn't believe you hit the ball going down 9.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON: I poked it. It's so hard to play after you have a hole-in-one. As I said, I don't think I've ever been as excited on a golf course in my life.

Q. Obviously an amazing highlight, but for the two days, you guys have played great and you've had a great time and you're right up there.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON: We've been up on the leaderboard, the top of the leaderboard a lot.

PATRICK HARRINGTON: Been very exciting for people back home I think.

Q. And excited for next year?

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON: Well, we're getting better. Getting better.

PATRICK HARRINGTON: Still so hard. Guys are going to shoot two 59s.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON: Do you think he's playing next year? Next year is a good year. The other fella has big exams next year.