Padraig Harrington isn’t used to being the No. 1 player in a PGA Tour event. After all, Harrington is ranked No. 23 in the world and has yet to capture a major championship.
But after Monday’s de-commitments by defending champion Sergio Garcia and Chris DiMarco, the Irishman is the top dog left in the Booz Allen Classic.
“I definitely did consider pulling out,” said Harrington, who finished fifth in the U.S. Open last weekend. “I’m exhausted. I definitely would like nothing better than to be on a plane home, just chilling out for a week.”
Harrington, 34, was on the verge of capturing his first major last week at Winged Foot. But he bogeyed the last three holes to finish two strokes behind Australian Jeff Ogilvy. It was the fifth time in his career that Harrington placed fifth in a major.
“Normally it wouldn’t be that difficult to play the week after the Open,” said Harrington. “It’s very tough when you’re in contention right to the [end]. I don’t think I’ve ever been as tired going into another event.”
Hammond is back
Ten months short of his 50th birthday, Frederick native Donnie Hammond is gearing up for a run on the Senior Tour. But Monday at Little Bennett Golf Course, Hammond showed he still has considerable game as he emerged from a field of 56 to claim one of four qualifying slots in the Booz Allen Classic.
Hammond shot 68 to get in a nine-man playoff for two slots, then played four extra holes in 2-under-par. No one has more appearances in the Booz Allen than Hammond’s 23. His best finish was a tie for 10th in 2000.
Busy week
Several pros due this week at Avenel played Monday and Tuesday in the CVS Charity Classic in Rhode Island. The tournament is hosted by Rhode Island natives Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade. Both are committed to the Booz Allen.
Also in the CVS event were Booz Allen players Fred Funk, J.B. Holmes and Brett Quigley. Chris DiMarco, Lucas Glover and Bubba Watson are among the players in the CVS event who de-committed to the Booz.
