It’s not in the least unusual to see Pádraig Harrington out for a game at Portmarnock, sometimes in summer, often over the winter months, working on some intricate aspect of his routine, testing his game as the wind blows in off the Irish Sea. Yes, Ireland’s three-time major winner - and two time Open champion - often plays the private links at Portmarnock Golf Club which has hosted the Irish Open and the World Cup, but he’s as likely to turn up just next door to play The Links at the equally wonderful Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, designed by one of his great heroes, Bernhard Langer.