Former Portugal Masters champion Shane Lowry was among those to offer congratulations to Padraig Harrington after the Dubliner’s impressive win at Vilamoura yesterday.
The 45-year-old claimed his first European Tour victory since 2008 with a one-shot win over Andy Sullivan, finished in style with a classy up-and-down on the last.
The result moves Harrington up to 97 in the world rankings.
Lowry, who won the tournament in 2012, paid tribute on Twitter and then challenged his friend to a game next week.
“Delighted for Padraig and [caddy] Ronan, some great names on that trophy too,” joked Lowry.
In response to Harrington’s tweet that put his victory down to “96% scrambling this week. 25 chances to get up down around the greens, took 51 shots. 2 chip ins and a holed bunker shot”, Lowry said: “I’ll still play ya for 50 next week.”
Former Ryder Cup team-mate Paul McGinley also hailed the 2007 and 2008 Open champion.
“That Padraig Harrington is something else," he said.
“His strength is a love of the game and competition that has never diminished and is much admired.”
Just landed in Dubai to find out @padraig_h won in Portugal. Delighted for him and Ronan. Some great names on that trophy too 😜
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) October 23, 201
"It's a big win," Harrington said after his final round of 65.
"Portugal Masters is a big tournament. I've been coming here for 10 years so I've always liked it down here. I've always liked coming down to Portugal.
"I tried to be really aggressive. The golf course suited me and I just tried to go after every pin I could and make birdies.
"I have a pretty good short game that was on form this week."
