The official film of the 2007 British Open at Carnoustie offers another chance to relive all the drama, emotion and excitement of one of the greatest moments in Irish sport.
Padraig Harrington's historic victory in one of the greatest showings of golf's oldest event will live long in the memory; the affable Dubliner finally ending an Irish and European major drought in nail-biting fashion.
The 2007 Open showcased the quality of Carnoustie as it returned to the Open rota after an eight-year absence.
The four days provided some of the most exhilarating golf seen this century. Steve Stricker and Richard Green both equalled the course record, Tiger Woods' quest for a third straight title ended in the Barry Burn, Rory McIlroy showed maturity to win the Silver Medal and Sergio Garcia was seemingly cruising towards a first major title.
The final day was one of the most remarkable in golf history, and is given extensive coverage in this film. Harrington made his charge early by picking up shots on the front nine, as Garcia seemed to stumble under the pressure.
Andres Romero and Ernie Els were also making a charge through the field, with Romero's final round nothing short of incredible. The little Argentinean made ten birdies over his first 16 holes before his challenge came unstuck at 17.
Harrington had profited from a lucky bounce to eagle the 15th and stood on the last tee with a one-shot lead. However, he visited the Barry Burn twice over the next 20 minutes to record a double-bogey six, which left him waiting on a Garcia mistake to force a four-hole play-off.
Needing only a par for that most sought after title, Garcia recorded a bogey five as his par putt lipped out at the last. Harrington had his reprieve and this time he took his opportunity.
Harrington's birdie and Garcia's bogey at the first extra hole ensured a two-shot advantage. It was a lead the Dubliner would not relinquish and he had the pleasure of holing a three-footer on 18 for victory. The Claret Jug came back to Ireland after a 60-year gap, complete with ladybirds.
The official film also features a behind-the-scenes look at the championship and bonus extras, including classic Open moments, which feature a younger, more rotund Harrington in 1997.
This DVD is a must for all Irish sport fans as Harrington's victory was the one bright moment in an otherwise mediocre year for Irish sport.
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Glenn Mason
We had a competition to win a copy of this DVD, all you had to do was answer the following question:
What year did Padraig Harrington win the World Cup with fellow Dubliner Paul McGinley?
The answer was, of course, 1997.
The winners of the DVD were:
James Carroll, Monasterboice
Trish Hynes, Limerick
Peter Cunningham, Naas
Pascal McHugh, Belfast
Terms & Conditions:
1. Please note that all entries must be received by no later than Friday 19 October. Late entries will not be accepted.
2. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.
3. All entrants agree that, in the event that they win a prize, they do not object to having their name and address published on the RTÉ website.
4. No employee of RTÉ or its subsidiary or affiliated companies or their agents or family members will be allowed to enter and neither shall any employee of the Sponsors be allowed to enter this competition.
5. The decision of the judge shall be final. In the event of a dispute regarding the competition and these terms and conditions, RTÉ's decision shall be final and no correspondence shall be entered into.
6. No prize will be awarded as a result of the improper actions on behalf of contestants, illegal or otherwise, and RTÉ and/or the Sponsor shall have the right to disqualify any competitor who they believe has in any way tampered with or corrupted the entry process.
7. Neither RTÉ nor the Sponsors shall have any liability or responsibility for any claim in association with any person entering this competition. RTÉ is not liable for any disputes concerning the prize and all queries should be directed to the Sponsors. RTÉ accepts no liability for any defects in damage to or loss occasioned by any prize or failure of the Sponsors to provide the prize.
8. RTÉ reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend a competition and/or to vary these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. All changes will be included in the Terms and Conditions which are available upon request or posted on the RTÉ website.
9. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of Ireland and subject to the jurisdiction of the Irish Courts.
