Padraig defeats Woods in Japan

published 19 November 2006

Padraig Harrington defeated Tiger Woods in a thrilling play-off to take the Dunlop Phoenix tournament in Japan. The pair began the day tied at the top and a head-to-head battle produced one of the most exciting finishes of 2006.

Woods looked comfortable early on after three birdies on the front nine gave him a three-shot lead. Harrington then took his opportunities and made three birdies on the home stretch. Tiger could offer no response and on 16 missed a three-footer which swung momentum. Both birdied the final hole to extend the drama into a sudden death play-off.

Another two birdies at the first play-off hole saw them head back up the 18th for a third time. After finding the rough off the tee Harrington bravely took on a small gap in the trees, but his ball caught a branch and left the Irishman with a tough pitch for his third. He played a great shot to a couple of feet, reminiscent of his pitch at Valderrama last month which earned him the Order of Merit. Woods was unable to convert his 12-foot birdie putt which left Harrington with a tap in to take the title.

Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.