Harrington joins elite British Open double clubA MONTH ago

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A MONTH ago, Tiger Woods won the US Open on one leg. Yesterday,amid the sand hills of Royal Birkdale on England's Lancashirecoast, Pádraig Harrington performed as impressive a feat,retaining the British Open - golf's oldest major championship -with one hand. PHILIP REID , Golf Correspondent, reports from Birkdale
At least that's how future legend, you imagine, will recall it.
Harrington, a pre-tournament doubt after sustaining a wrist injury,successfully retained the Claret Jug with a majestic final round of69 that saw him claim victory - his second major - by four shotsfrom England's Ian Poulter. The win earned him €938,565 andbrought his career earnings on the European Tour to more than€18 million.
In retaining the trophy, the most prized in golf, Harrington (36)became the first European player to do so since James Braidperformed the feat in 1906. And the Dubliner forecast a new use forthe jug. After last year's win in Carnoustie, Harrington's sonPaddy used it to house ladybirds.
"My son has gone a little past ladybirds at this stage. I think heis more into snails and more gruesome insects than that now,"remarked Harrington.
The player's two sons, Paddy (4) and Ciaran (eight months), were onhand with his wife, Caroline, to celebrate the victory, embracingon the 18th green to mark a remarkable achievement that makes himIreland's finest international sportsman.
"Winning a major puts you into a special club. Winning two of themputs you into a new club altogether. I'm going to make sure I enjoythe next week," he said.