1-2-1: Padraig Harrington

After Abu Dhabi

This year's campaign began with a tee-off at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. I arrived there having put a lot of work into my fitness and was itching to get back into competitive golf. I knew Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey would be stiff competition. Even though Sergio has been above me on the world rankings, I took heart from the fact that I had still pipped him to a few Majors. I also expected great things from Paul Casey who, unlike Sergio and I, already had one Abu Dhabi title under his belt from 2007. It's a great course and is a strong test for tournament golf. There are some exciting holes like the par five 18th, where you either go for it in two or take the safe route.

Last year's highs

2008 was a great year. I won PGA Tour Player of the Year, won the PGA Championship and completed a back-to-back British Open double. I can only feel positive about all
that's happened over the last couple of years – I take huge confidence from what I have achieved and will now focus on winning more Majors. Looking Forward Bob Rotella has helped me focus on the mental aspect of the game. I have proved to myself that I can produce my best golf on the back nine of a Sunday afternoon at a Major, which is a huge boost. I'm shooting for that third consecutive British Open title this year and will keep my preparations exactly as I have done for the last few years. Hopefully, I will still be in the mix come Sunday. If I do pull it off, I'll be the fifth person to complete a hat-trick of British Open titles. If I steer clear of injuries and strike form, I have every chance of achieving that treble.

MIssing Irishmen

I'm only the second Irishman (first from the Republic) to win the British Open and am the only Irishman to win the PGA Championship. I don't know why I'm the first. We've
had so many fantastic players over the years – you just have to look at the contributions Irish lads have made to the Ryder Cup side.

The family affair

My caddy is my brother-in-law, Ronan Flood. We get along well and it makes a big difference to have a close mate out there with you. He keeps me relaxed on the course.
We come from a family of sportsmen – my father was a boxer, hurler and a Gaelic footballer for Cork. Joey Harrington from the NFL and poker player Dan Harrington are distant cousins. I hope golf becomes part of my children's lives, even if only as a hobby.

Out of accounts

I had the comfort of falling back on my accountancy qualifications when I turned to professional golf. I think it's important for up-and-coming players to have that cushion
since it takes pressure off contemplating one's future if golf doesn't take off. My knowledge of accountancy helps me understand the business of golf better. It also helps that my manager has an accounts background.

Name: Padraig Harrington
Age: 37
Nationality: Irish
Claim to fame: First Irishman to win the PGA Championship and complete a back-to-back double in the British Open
Lives in: Dublin
Other job: Accountant