Three-time Major tournament winner Padraig Harrington cruised to a three-stroke victory in Malaysia’s Iskandar Johor Open yesterday, ending a two-year title drought in style.
The 39-year-old Ryder Cup star, who began the final round with a five-shot cushion, was never seriously threatened by the chasing pack, hitting a 69 to take him to a total of 20-under-par in the 1.25-million-dollar Asian Tour event.
Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Noh Seung-Yul finished second, one ahead of Taiwan’s Lin Wen-tang, who carded a 68.
“It’s always nice to win, even nicer when there’s been a bit of a drought. Winning is a habit so it’s nice to come out here and win and do it in style,” said Harrington.
Harrington, who takes home a cheque for nearly $200,000, was quickly into his stride yesterday, birdieing three of his first four holes.
Victory at the Horizon Hills Club was the first for Harrington in an event sanctioned by any of the major tours since his win at the 2008 PGA Championship.