Harrington sees McIlroy U-turn on Seniors golf: "We've heard a lot of people say that"
Padraig Harrington watches his tee shot on the ninth hole during the final round at the 2022 U.S. Senior Open at Saucon Valley C.C. (Old Course) in Bethlehem, Pa. on Sunday, June 26, 2022. (Chris Keane/USGA)
Pádraig Harrington believes “it’s likely” Rory McIlroy will eventually change his mind and reverse his claim that he will not play the Champions Tour when he turns 50.
The Holywood star (35) said on the eve of The Players Championship that he wanted to “walk away with a little bit left in the tank” and firmly claimed he would not be playing seniors golf.
“Absolutely not,” McIlroy said. “I will not play Champions Tour golf. Look, I've said a lot of absolutes in my time that I've walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has went (sic) terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.”
Harrington, who turned 50 in 2021, has since won nine times on the senior circuit, including the 2022 US Senior Open.
He’s loved his time on the PGA Tour Champions and when asked ahead of his defence of the Hoag Classic what he made of McIlroy’s remarks, he gave a thoughtful and sparkling response.
“Look, they're words,” Harrington said at Newport Beach Country Club in California. “You say words and they're picked over and pulled apart.
“I think what you'll find is a lot of people when they're 30 years of age need to have an -- Rory's a little older than that, but needs to have an idea that there's a limit on this, but that limit comes up very quickly and it gets passed.
“We've heard a lot of people say that. The fact of the matter is somebody like me, I've never been happier than out here playing on the Champions Tour. Never been happier.
“Love my golf, loving my life. I can't see like why anybody wouldn't want to do this. Literally every week I'm living a life that people would save the whole year to have this one week.
“For most people my age, to go on a one-week golf trip is like the biggest thing they could do in a year and I get to do it 30 times a year.
“So look, I think Rory will find that it's likely it will change. There's fun to be had out here. And he's hit lots of great shots. I think the big bonus of the Champions Tour is you get to hit shots coming down the stretch, great shots under pressure. You feel it, you don't want to mess up, there are people watching.
“And in some ways you're reliving your past, you're reliving the wins you've had, you're validating the wins you've had in some ways. ”
McIlroy’s remarks were a talking point among the stars on the PGA Tour Champions, including x-time Major winner Ernie Els.
“Interesting to read @McIlroyRory comments today,” the South African tweeted last week. “At 35 years old I was also bullet proof saying things about not playing past 50. I’m 55 now and laughing at my comments from back then.
"@ChampionsTour golf is so fulfilling with a great bunch of players we all grew up together from junior golf. Our sponsors and partners are wonderful companies and people. Competition is a powerful tool!”
Harrington echoed Els thoughts in California today and believes McIlroy may change his mind in time.
“With all his wins when he comes out here as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and all the others, he will get the glory and get to enjoy those junior wins, let's say, when he's on the senior tour,” Harrington said.
“Look, everybody's different, but it's fun out here and as I said, we've heard a lot of people say that.
“And it's a reasonable narrative because you've got to remember Rory's playing golf probably full time since he's 12, 13 years of age.
“He's got to put an end to it at this moment in his head or else it just would be overbearing and that end to him is obviously 45, 50 years of age.
“But it just comes around so quick. Things will change. And I'm not saying everybody changes, but it's likely that things will change and he'll actually come out, have a bit of fun.
“As I said, no more so than if Jack and Arnie came out here and plenty others, there is fun to be had and some glory as well!”
