February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By John Manley
Padraig Harrington appears ready for next month’s Ryder Cup matches, based upon his 12th place finish in last weekend’s NEC Invitational at the Firestone Country Club’s South Course in Akron, Ohio. The Dubliner posted the second best score of the European contingent, bested only by Sergio Garcia. Harrington, fresh off a second-place finish in Munich, shot even par 280 (72-67-70-71). He earned $109,000.
Darren Clarke, meanwhile, wasn’t as prominent, finishing in a tie for 36th place at nine-over-par 289 (73-72-69-75). Clarke pocketed a check for $31,500. Tiger Woods was the medalist with a score of 10-under 270.
Nike Tour
Keith Nolan continues to play competitive golf. Last week, he tied for 15th place at the Permian Basin Open at Mission Dorado in Odessa, Texas. Nolan finished 10 under for the tournament at 278 (68-71-67-72), which put $2,841 in his pocket.
Richard Coughlan is honing his game in anticipation of Q-School, which begins with the first round next month. He settled into a tie for 57th place, sliding downward in the last round after having been more prominent early on. He finished one under par at 287 (69-71-72-75), earning $450. David Berganio was the champion at 19-under 269.
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Met Open
P.J. Cowan finished in a fourth-place tie in the Metropolitan Golf Association’s Open Championship at the Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Park, N.Y.
Cowan shot 213 (72-71-70) for the 54-hole event, good for $4,500. Mark Brown was low man at 210.
Seniors Tour
Christy O’Connor Jr. had something of an off week at the Canada Senior Open. He tied for 47th place at the Richelieu Valley Golf Club in Ste. Julie, Quebec, with a 72-hole total of 290 (73-71-71-75). He earned $4,067. Jim Ahern won a playoff with Hale Irwin after both finished lowest with scores of 272.