Hall of Famer Padraig Harrington

The 51-year-old is a three-time Major champion, having won back-to-back Open Championships as well as adding the US PGA Championship during a 13-month spell in 2007 and 2008.

“This is very exciting, obviously huge honour,” said Harrington. “It’s somewhat humbling. At this stage of my life, it gives me some validation to what I’ve done in golf.

“Brings back a flood of memories. This is a deepdown satisfaction, and I’m very proud to be included with the players before me.”

“Seeing your name beside the names that I’ve looked up to as a boy and young golfer, it’s very nice.

“Everybody on the ballot deserves to be there. It’s unfortunate that everyone can’t be in, but it’s great to be included in the Class of 2024.”

Here, we take a look at some of the most memorable moments from Harrington’s illustrious career, from winning the Walker Cup as an amateur to securing 36 worldwide titles.

Harrington got his hands on the Walker Cup at the third time of asking after GB&I defeated USA 14-10 at Royal Porthcrawl Golf Club in Wales. The Irishman secured three points that week, including a 2&1 victory over Tiger Woods and John Harris in the Sunday foursomes alongside compatriot Jody Flanagan.

After securing his DP World Tour playing privileges through Qualifying School the year before, Harrington won on just his tenth start at the Spanish Open, beating Gordon Brand Jnr by four strokes. He went on to finish the season ranked 11th in the then Order of Merit, just losing out to Thomas Bjorn for the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award.

With three runner-up finishes in 1999, Harrington qualified for that year’s Ryder Cup in what become known as the ‘Battle of Brookline’. He picked up a half point alongside Miguel Angel Jiménez in the opening foursomes before the duo teamed up again the following day in a defeat to Woods and Stephen Pate. Harrington finished the week by defeating Mark O’Meara on the final day, one of just three European victories, as the Americans secured a 14.5 – 13.5 triumph on home soil.

Harrington returned to the winner’s circle in 2000 with victories in Sau Paulo and Madrid, before picking up his fourth DP World Tour title the following year at the season-ending Volvo Masters in 2001, which saw him finish second on the Order of Merit. In 2002, he once again qualified for the Ryder Cup after winning the Dunhill Links Championship. This time around Harrington ended up on the winning team with Europe securing a three point victory at the Belfry to regain the trophy. Worldwide