Adam Scott once tipped one star to win a major, only for Rory McIlroy to leave them in the dust (Image: Scott Halleran, Getty Images)
When Adam Scott tipped Padraig Harrington to win the 2011 , the Dubliner was filled with confidence – that was until 21-year-old poured cold water over his hopes. Harrington is no stranger to McIlroy, having competed against him in numerous majors and tournaments.
Not long before the action started at the Congressional Country Club, Harrington had won the 2008 and . His preparation and training was on-point and after dismantling Scott in a practice round, the latter tipped the Irishman to win the whole major.
However, not only did Harrington fall short of claiming the Claret Jug, but he was outright dominated by the relentless McIlroy. It’s a moment which has stayed with him, perhaps due to the fact that McIlroy is 18 years Harrington’s junior.
Reflecting on the experience during an appearance on , Harrington said: “Rory broke me in 2011. [He] broke everybody, but I was the best player. That’s what I believed. So I’ve gone into Congressional. I played a practice round with Adam Scott on Wednesday.
“He [Scott] came in and did an interview and told everybody to go home. He says, ‘you might as well go home. Padraig Harrington is winning this.’
“I am… in my head, I am the best player. I’ve won three majors just recently. I’m in great form. I prepared right. I go into this tournament and Rory does something that I can’t compete with. Wipes the floor. Like we’re all the same. He’s just blown us all away.”
McIlroy delivered stunning rounds of 65, 66, 68, and 69 that secured his victory with ease. He finished eight shots ahead of nearest rival Jason Day and McIlroy’s aggregate score of 268 still stands as a record to this day.
Harrington and McIlroy know each other well (Image: Getty)
Harrington experienced a challenging weekend on the course, managing only a single round under par and no scores below 70. Barely making the cut, he concluded the tournament tied for 45th place at 5-over. While he was accustomed to Tiger Woods’ brilliance, Harrington confessed it stung even more to be bested by McIlroy, who was noticeably younger at the time.
He added: “That’s OK if I thought I could get better. That’s fine. So when Tiger was doing that in the early 2000s, I was only on my way up. This is me at my best and I don’t think I can compete with him.
“So the big difference, and it’s happened – name every player who has hit a peak – in 2008, I was not looking over my shoulder. I was only concerned about me.
“[From] 2011 onwards, I’m now thinking I’m not good enough. I need to be a better version of me in order to compete with Rory.”